A first edition copy of The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.owned by late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has sold for a record £214,200.
Watts was known for his love of music, but he also had a passion for literature. His impressive collection of rare and first edition books included works by crime fiction legends Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. This book, One of the highlights of Watts’ collection, set a new world record for a printed book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The previous record was held by another Sherlock Holmes book, The Sign of Four, which sold for $201,600 (£165,279) in 2022.
The rare copy of The Hound of the Baskervilles featured a personal inscription from Conan Doyle himself on the title page. The message read: “I perambulated Dartmoor before I wrote this book.” It’s worth noting that Watts lived just 10 miles away from Dartmoor, the setting of the book.
Other notable books from Watts’ collection were also auctioned off, including first edition copies of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and various works by Agatha Christie.
This record-breaking sale showcases the enduring popularity and value of classic literature, as well as the unique treasures that can be found in private collections.
