BOOK COLLECTOR'S OVERVIEW
ELLROY COLLECTING, CIRCA 2002:
The chief reason for this is probably the success of the film adaptation of L.A. Confidential. By Ellroy's own admission, The Oscar-winning movie expanded his readership and sold scads of books. Many of those new readers became serious collectors.
Three years ago, the high-ticket items were the Allison & Busby hardcovers of Brown's Requiem and Clandestine (which appeared only in softcovers in the U.S.) Each could be had for something in the vicinity of $150-200.
The U.S. edition of Because the Night trailed around $100. In 2001, the A&B editions of Ellroy's first two books are netting asking prices of $500-600 and $700-900, respectively. Because the Night now sells for $250 on the low end, and $500 on the high end. Whether booksellers are actually getting takers at these prices remains to be seen: the asking prices, however, are consistent from dealer to dealer. Ellroy limited editions, particularly Silent Terror and L.A. Confidential, have also spiraled upward.
Pity the Ellroy aficionado just entering the collecting field.
• UNCORRECTED PROOFS & ADVANCE READERS' COPIES
• UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA — ELLROY COLLECTION
