Why would I want to join Lemuria's First Edition Club?

The First Editions Club is a great way to build a collectible library of contemporary books that will not only accrue in value, but that you will want to pull off the shelf and read. Every month we hand-select a first edition that we believe is worth more than the paper it's printed on. We especially look for collectible southern authors, debut authors' first novels, and books that knock us out of our chairs. Over the last two decades, we have had the privilege of selecting novels that have gained national and international praise. Adam Johnson's debut novel, The Orphan Master's Son, our January 2012 pick, went on to win the Pulitzer Prize. And in 1997, Charles Frazier's then obscure novel, Cold Mountain, was awarded the National Book Award. After its author was plucked from anonymity, a signed first edition of Cold Mountain is now worth over $300.


What is a first edition?

The term "first edition" refers to the first printing of the earliest edition of a book. First printing copies are unique because they are the first published record of a book. For collectors, the first edition of a book is the most desired edition, especially if it is signed. If a book wins an award or otherwise earns acclaim or popularity and the book's first printing was relatively small, copies of the first edition can become very valuable, and signed copies even more so.


What is the First Editions Club?

We select one new book (sometimes two) every month. With few exceptions, each book is signed in the store. We want to meet the authors of our favorite books, and we want to give you a chance to meet them, too. When preparing the books for shipment, we first protect the book's dust jacket with an archival mylar cover to help maintain its value. Then we wrap the book in butcher paper, and pack it carefully in a box ‐ never in an envelope. We've selected the most pristine copies of the book for the club, and we want them to be delivered to you in the same pristine condition.


How much does it cost to join?

There is no cost to join. Every month you will be charged only the cover price of the book plus $5 shipping. Each month a new first edition will be delivered right to your doorstep. If you are local you may also choose to pick up your selections and avoid the shipping charge.


What if I don't like the book that is selected?

No problem. Call the store or email us at fec@lemuriabooks.com and we will happily exchange the book.


What are the other perks of the First Editions Club?

Once a month we send an email to all of our FEC members giving them first dibs on any notable signed first edition that we have in the store. So even if you live in another city or state, you can still have access to rare signed first editions. If you want to add a book to your FEC shipment, the shipping cost is reduced to one additional dollar a book. We also protect each dust jacket in an archival mylar cover to help maintain its value.


Where can I get more information?

Please give us a call at (800) 366-7619 or send us an email!