Artunderwraps

First Edition Prices, Values and Auction Results

Known for his keen insight and original approach to addressing sensitive subjects of American society in the South, William Faulkner is a highly sought after writer for bibliophiles. With novels such as The Sound and the Fury, A Light in August, and As I Lay Dying, Faulkner's titles appeal to collectors for their rich truths, unique style, and universal themes. Although a lesser known title, Pylon, published in 1935 by Harrison Smith and Robert Haas (New York), this novel is alluring to those in Faulkner circles. This first edition was released as a limited edition with Faulkner's signature, but only 301 copies were available Copies typically range from $900-$1400. Even the first trade edition has sold for as much as $840 with dust jackets.

We collected a sample of 26 auction results of Faulkner, William's Pylon from 3 different auction houses. The lowest overall price realized in our sample was $120 and the highest overall price realized was $1610. The overall average price was $466 and the median price realized for the book was $284. There were 16 auctions (64%) with a price realized below the low estimate, 2 auctions (8%) exceeding the high estimates, and 7 auctions (28%) within the range of the low and high estimates. Auctions of interest include: a Swann sale on June 19, 2014 of a 1935 - Harrison Smith and Robert Haas edition for $1375 that one of 310 signed by author; a Swann sale on November 11, 2004 of a 1935 edition for $1610 that one of 310 signed by author; a Swann sale on October 18, 2001 of a 1935 edition for $1150 that one of 310 signed by author;