Futrelle The High Hand signed by the author

[Kalman Tanito]

Just a couple of days ago, on the Internet, I stumbled on a copy of Futrelle's 1909 book, "The High Hand", signed by the author - and although I contacted the seller right away to ask for a digital photo of the inscription, I was told that the book had already been sold.

Despite the price tag of $10.000.

Now, I wonder who grabbed that one up. And whether that's an all-time high for a Titanic-related book.

Kalman

 

[Michael Tennaro]

Kalman,
you sure you didn't add an extra zero in that price? the most expensive Futrelle I have ever seen was $1,000. I would also quibble with you that any Futrelle book is Titanic-related. after all, aside from the fact that Futrelle died in the disaster, none of his books have anything to do with ships or shipwrecks. mostly he wrote mysteries, if I am not mistaken.

all the best, Michael (TheManInBlack) T

 

[Dave Gittins]

If you want to read Futrelle, there's a lot of his work on the Internet. Just seek and ye shall find.

Personally, I find his stories very contrived and unconvincing. He's a sort of would-be Conan Doyle but his 'Thinking Machine' is well behind Sherlock Holmes. I'm not surprised that he's forgotten, other than for his Titanic connection.

For another Titanic writer, J J Astor's A Journey in Other Worlds is also online.

 

[Randy Bryan Bigham]

Dave,

I disagree that Futrelle's work is inferior. He was highly popular in his day and probably would have made even greater contributions to his genre had he lived longer. His work does not deserve to be forgotten.

Michael,

I'm sure Kalman meant Futrelle's books are "Titanic-related" in the general sense that they were written by a victim.

Kalman,

I too hope that sum of $10,000 is not true. I think $1,000 is too much for an autographed copy of ANY book.

Randy

 

[Dave Gittins]

Randy, it's a matter of opinion, but I tried to find him in reference books on American literature and he's not there. A lot of writers were popular in their day, but time sorts them out. It's much the same with the painter, Millais.

(Ducks for cover).

 

[Darren Honeycutt]

Speaking of John Jacob Astor's "Journey To Other Worlds", just how good of a book is it? Also what is the price range for this book. Is it hard to find?

 

[Dave Gittins]

I've not read it all, but my impression was that it is not exactly Azimov or Clarke. It does have some remarkable prophecies, such as a kind of cable TV and policemen who catch speeding cars with cameras. Note: the cars in question were electric, probably because at the time electric cars seemed to many to be the way of the future. While researching, I found ads for electric cars that could be hired for city trips in 1912. One prophecy that has never quite come true is Australia wiping out her rabbits with a virus. If only!

As to price, that's not my patch.

 

[Michael Tennaro]

believe it or not, the book is actually in print at the moment. Amazon.com has a trade paperback edition for around $30 in stock:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1589636171/qid=1027814662/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-3990819-7501451



even if you want a first printing, it's not hard to find, there are anywhere from 10 to 20 copies of the first printing on the used book sites at any one time. prices seem to start around $50, if you are not going to be picky about condition. the price ratchets up considerably if you want a copy in collectible condition. and don't even think about getting a copy with a dj!

best, Michael (TheManInBlack) T

 

[Tracy Smith]

Thanks for the heads-up, Mike. I may end up buying this book. It sounds fascinating.

Wonder what JJ Astor would think if he knew his book would still be in print in 2002?

 

[Phillip Gowan]

Michael,
I lucked into an autographed copy a few years back--won't tell you how much I paid for it (!)--but it was in Australia! I'd never seen an autographed one before anywhere so thought I had better snatch it up. It doesn't have a dust jacket but is in great shape. I think it is a fairly well written novel.

Phil

 

[Darren Honeycutt]

If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy, there are several for sell on this website. http://abe.com/ Just type in John Jacob Astors name in the authors search box. This book sounds like it really has a nice cover. Phil, you have all the luck.

 

[Michael Tennaro]

Hi Phil,
great find! even if you had to go all the way to Australia to get it. I have seen very, very few signed copies of Astor's book for sale, so you were right to grab it when you had the chance.

all the best, Michael (TheManInBlack) T

 

[Kalman Tanito]

To turn the conversation back to the Futrelle book:

Yes, the price tag on the book was $10.000 (ten thousand) - no mistake of mine. And it was grabbed up in no time, perhaps by a museum.

As Randy read my mind, I didn't mean Titanic-related in the sense that it has to do with the shipwreck, just that Futrelle has a Titanic connection. Interestingly enough, although you may be aware of it, his book "My Lady's Garter", published posthumously in 1912 is dedicated to the victims of the Titanic.

All my best,

Kalman