Ray Bradbury's signature on the 39th 451 copy looks very authentic. That is the way Ray's signature looked back in the 1950's.

I held an asbestos copy back around 1972, at a book-collector's home in Berkely, California. It had a plastic book cover and some flakes of asbestos had been breaking on the bottom edges, but remained inside the plastic cover.

Such a find would rank in the history of a ~Super-Find~ at a Goodwill store. 224bbaker may even make headlines in the 'Goodwill Monthly News' [Is there such a thing?]

I'm just amazed that there ever was an asbestos version of the book!! Was each page asbestos, or just the cover?

I am not sure I think maybe just the cover. The pages do not feel different. If anyone know's pass the information on...

woudl that i could afford such a treasure!
Here is a link to ABEbooks searched for this edition $from $8,500 to $18,500. Nice find!

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&an=...=Fahrenheit+451&x=40

Thanks for sharing your amazing find with us. For now I think you should get a protective box or cover for it, while you decide about restoring the binding. That is just amazing - better than Antiques Roadshow!

I think restoring the binding will actually decrease the value of the book. (Would you try to retouch the Mona Lisa?) I would find some kind of glass case and put it on display. Congratulations on your marvelous find!!

Thank you

I don't know about a glass case. Just seems cold. A book has always seemed very warm to me. I wonder if they could make a cover that looks just like the book itself?

I have seen the Mona Lisa. I would not change her or seal her in glass.

Well, if you're really struggling with what to do with this book, I have the perfect suggestion: send it to me!

Well I had to face facts. I just can not keep the book. For some strange reason my oldest wants to go to College and study film. Did you know that each application costs at least $50? A SAT study course is $600, and the test itself is $100. I am not complaining. Just stating the facts.
I think I will go to Borders after I vote. I did want to reread Fahrenheit 451.

Will you be taking bids, 224bbaker?

Thanks for the interest. I put it up on Ebay last night. I put it up at $5000. I do not think it will sell really. Probably will have to go to a auction house. But I thought I would try. Maybe it will spark someone's interest to just read the book.