On December 10, 2010, Sotheby's in London sold a complete set of first editions in, what I can only imagine, would have been described by a bookseller, as "in near fine condition considering the scarcity of these beloved children's books," for $7,588.00, at the low end of the pre-auction estimate. Even if I had a spare $7590, I doubt the set at auction would have been the one to buy. I'd hold out for a better condition copy. You can read the full auction description here.
The challenge with The Chronicles of Narnia is to find a set, either first edition or simply a collectible edition, which include the complete, original, illustrations by Pauline Baynes. I certainly didn't read an edition with those illustrations but if I were to acquire a set for my library now, I'd like to experience Narnia as the first readers did, with those, now classic, illustrations.
The Folio Society did a reprint in a lovely edition but I've never seen a complete set of first edition Folio Society for sale. There is no reason to settle for anything less, given the multi-hundred dollar investment necessary, considering I will probably never own the true first edition. I do have some standards! I would settle for a nice commercial reprint (maybe), perhaps an anniversary edition or if Penguin Classics ever released an edition.
For now, the only option that meets my need of a complete Baynes illustrated edition may be the new edition published by HarperCollins, The Chronicles of Narnia 80th Anniversary Edition
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