Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
The copyright page explicitly states 'First United States Edition' and shows a full number line ending in 1, confirming its first printing status. The publication year is 2013. The signature on the half-title page is consistent with the author's known signature.
Story
Alexander McCall Smith is a renowned Scottish author, best known for 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series. This specific volume is the 14th novel in that series, published in the United States by Pantheon Books in 2013. It features the iconic woodcut-style jacket illustration by Scottish artist Iain McIntosh, whose work is heavily associated with the series' visual identity. The market for modern signed first editions by highly prolific authors like Alexander McCall Smith is saturated but steady.
Maker / Origin
Alexander McCall Smith
Condition & Value
Based on the provided description, the book retains its original dust jacket and features a clean signature on the half-title page. Assuming standard 'Very Good' to 'Fine' condition with no unmentioned defects (such as remainder marks, price-clipping, foxing, or edge wear), it presents well as a collectible copy.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for modern signed first editions by highly prolific authors like Alexander McCall Smith is saturated but steady. Because he signs frequently on tours, his signature does not command a massive premium, especially for later entries in a series (this being the 14th book). Buyers are typically series completionists or fans purchasing gifts, meaning pristine condition is paramount. While retail dealers can command around $50, independent sellers often see these clear closer to $20.
▲ Authentic author signature on the half-title page establishes the core collector premium.
▲ Confirmed First United States Edition status with a full number line ending in '1'.
▲ Presence of the original, unclipped Iain McIntosh illustrated dust jacket.
▼ Late-series entry (Book 14) limits upside compared to the highly sought-after early series first editions.
▼ Prolific signing habits of the author mean signed copies are relatively abundant, capping the signature premium.
▼ Unverified condition of the page block; a hidden remainder mark (sharpie dot on the bottom edge) would drop the value to the $10 floor.
Best Venue
For a relatively quick sale, list on a secondary marketplace like eBay or Poshmark at $25, ensuring clear, well-lit photos of the signature, the copyright page (showing the full number line), and the dust jacket. To maximize value, place the dust jacket in a clear archival Mylar sleeve, which signals to buyers that it has been treated as a collectible.
Upside Potential
If the book is in absolute pristine, unread 'Fine/Fine' condition and can be marketed through an established rare book dealer network, it could realize the $50 retail high. There is little realistic upside beyond $50 for this specific late-series title due to market saturation.