what significance does an author's signature have on the value of a book?

Answer 1

If there were a hundred thousand books printed and the author only signed about five hundred, quite a bit. The value doesn't really increase, though, until about 20 years after the book is out of print. It jumps again after the author dies.

First editions have value. If the book was popular enough to go through reprint after reprint, only the signature has value on a first edition. The book (if not a first edition) is pretty much worthless.

Answer 2

Two values: If the author is or becomes famous, then one can sell it for market value.

Second: If the author, whom you know, of a completely obscure book, signs it with a personal message to you, then it is precious.

I have two such books. The first is "Polymer Chemistry," by John K. Stille. The second is "Quo Warranto Proceedings in the Reign of Edward I" by Donald Sutherland.

Answer 3

That would really depend on who it is....but in general that would increase the value. Though condition of book and whether or not it's a first edition is also taken into consideration.

Answer 4

it depends mostly on how famous the author is. if they signed a lot of books, it's worth less. there's one Canadian author who has inspired jokes re. his unsigned books are rare enough to be more valuable than ones he's signed.