Purchasing rare Lovecraftiana...

[Randolph]

In this case, original issues of Weird Tales (or the other publications) that contain his stories. Does anyone know what a decent price is for these (in good condition) or if some are more valuable than others? I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to collecting rare stuff, and my recent Lovecraft binge has me considering making the investment, even if it be a fairly large one.

Anyway, I'm not looking for any issue in particular - though I would practically kill for the one that first published Cthulhu - I'd just like some general help in locating and purchasing stuff like this, so I don't get ripped off.

I'd also love to hear what rare Lovecraft stuff you all have, if any.

[j. d. worthington]

Sadly, not much that's really rare anymore -- most of my collection disappeared with my marriage, I'm afraid -- though I did have most of the Arkham editions from Marginalia onward, and several issues of WT that had original publications (such as the one that had "The Quest of Iranon", "The Festival", "The Haunter of the Dark", and so on. I've not seen the February 1928 issue that had "Call of Cthulhu", though I have seen the issue that had "The Whisperer in Darkness" with that infamous illustration that gave away the denouement....

And, unfortunately, I'm not in touch with people who would know the fair market prices on these things any longer. Perhaps someone else here will be able to help; I do know, though, that since the days when I bought them, the price of WT with "the Big Three" (HPL, CAS, REH) has skyrocketed; so you're not looking at anything cheap. If I come across anything that might help, I'll pass it along....

Actually, I suppose I might have some things considered rare, as I have a fair number of early Necronomicon Press items, such as that facsimile reprinting of Sonia's The Rainbow, and the illustrated version of The Challenge from Beyond, the Uncollected Prose and Poetry volumes and HPL in "The Eyrie", etc....

[Randolph]

A bit of an update - I finally did manage to get a copy of the February 1928 WT. It was only in fair condition, but I think I really ripped it far as price is concerned. I can only assume the price these things is going to skyrocket over the next few decades (especially if we ever get a Lovecraft major motion picture) so I'm going to keep my eye out for other rarities.

[ghyle]

I might be able to put you in touch with a Lovecraftian and bibliophile, the poet C. D. Whateley. He may be able to recommend people and dealers to chat with. Interested?

[Randolph]

Is he one THOSE Whateleys?

Yes, that would be great, thank you very much. I just changed my profile to allow e-mails.

[ghyle]

It may also interest to know that the revised Lovecraft bibliography will be published soon through Hippocampus Press. It will be a two-volume edition, and it looks to be an essential item for the true Lovecraftian collector.