A Rare First Edition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Sells for a Record Price at Heritage Auctions

A rare first edition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, originally published in 1818, has been sold at Heritage Auctions in the United States for a record-breaking $843,750.

The book is one of only three known complete first editions preserved in their original pink boards. It is the only copy still held in private hands — the other two belong to university libraries.

The volume came from the renowned collection of William Strutz, a bibliophile whose library contained around 15,000 rare books. The sale took place as part of the first installment of an auction devoted to his collection, which altogether brought in more than $5.6 million.

According to Heritage Auctions, bidding began at $300,000, but due to high collector interest, the price nearly tripled by the close of the sale.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first released in 1818, is widely regarded as the first work of science fiction, profoundly influencing literature, philosophy, and cinema around the world.

“This edition is a true gem of literary history. Its remarkable preservation and original binding make it one of the most valuable cultural artifacts of the 19th century,” said representatives of Heritage Auctions.