I am having trouble posting a new topic here, although Tim seems to have managed it. Sorry if my circuitous method causes any disruption.

I am trying an experiment: putting a copy of the first edition (first issue) of Vikram up on Ebay; not your usual marketplace for such items. I had some success with a worn second issue earlier (Ebay 6902228524). This one will open on 20th at $10 and no reserve - it can be seen at 6904189996. Would not normally post such an item in this forum but think it's of sufficient interest to readers here, who might like to watch the outcome!

I saw just such an auction on Ebay about 4 years ago or less. I bid on it and I got just over one hundred and dropped out. I believe someone snagged it for just shy of 200.

Yes, it's funny, I sold a very battered Vikram second issue(somebody had hand-coloured some of the plates and pages were loose) for about $330 and then I put in the leather-bound first issue in near fine condition and got a bit less. Luckily the fellow who bought it didn't pay, so I have learned my lesson and kept it. Just now, Burton's firsts are not going for the same prices as two/three years ago - Christie's recent mini-sale (22 Sep 04) had some "bargains" - 'A New System of Sword Exercise' in original cloth with an enclosed letter from Burton plus 5 other non-Burton books went for 2000 pounds plus premium which, I think, was the reserve. 'Mecca'(guidebook) was offered for a second time and fell short of the needed 12,000 pounds (9,500 I think). But I have always thought of this as a 'trinket' rather than a serious book; yet maybe that's because I can't afford it! We have seen several 'Meccas' offered in recent years in this range and yet I have only seen one 'Bayonet Exercise' (at Christie) - and I think that went for about 10,000 pounds. The prices are irrational.