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Identification

A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James, 2015 Oneworld Special Edition

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

The book is definitively identified by the copyright page, which explicitly states 'This special edition published by Oneworld Publications in 2015' and provides the specific ISBN 978-1-78074-976-1.

Story

Published by Oneworld Publications in 2015 specifically to commemorate the novel's Man Booker Prize win. The metallic vinyl record design is unique to this edition, reflecting the reggae-infused, polyphonic narrative of the book. Marlon James's 2015 Man Booker Prize win created a surge of interest, making this commemorative special edition desirable for collectors of modern award-winning literature. However, unsigned copies are relatively common and trade as accessible reading or display copies rather than high-value investments.

Maker / Origin

Oneworld Publications

Condition & Value

The most notable condition factor visible is the prominent retail sticker on the front cover's metallic finish. Metallic and foil covers are notoriously difficult to clean; attempting to remove the sticker risks tearing or dulling the finish, which currently caps the grade at 'Good' to 'Very Good' rather than 'Fine'.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Marlon James's 2015 Man Booker Prize win created a surge of interest, making this commemorative special edition desirable for collectors of modern award-winning literature. However, unsigned copies are relatively common and trade as accessible reading or display copies rather than high-value investments. The market strongly bifurcates based on condition (especially the fragile metallic cover) and the presence of the author's signature.

Value Drivers

▲ Exact 2015 Oneworld Special Edition celebrating the Man Booker Prize win

▲ Striking metallic vinyl record cover design unique to this printing

▲ Secondary market demand for modern award-winning literature

Concerns

▼ Prominent retail sticker on the front cover caps the condition grade and depresses collector appeal

▼ Unverified interior pages — any markings, foxing, or tears would push value to the $10 floor

▼ Lack of a confirmed author signature keeps this in the reading/display tier rather than the premium collector tier

Best Venue

List on a broad marketplace like eBay or Biblio with a $25 asking price, clearly disclosing the sticker in the condition notes. Do not attempt to remove the sticker unless using a specialized, non-damaging adhesive remover tested on a small area, as damage to the metallic finish will crater the value.

Upside Potential

If the interior reveals an author signature or inscription on the half-title page, the value range immediately shifts upward to the $40-$130 tier, depending on the crispness of the signature and the final condition of the cover.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • eBay UK
    A Brief History of Seven Killings
    Unspecified edition; likely a standard paperback or hardcover, not the special edition.
    $14