Book Ends Film Begins

Classic Tales Ignite Hollywood Fever

Hollywood is increasingly turning to the written word for cinematic inspiration. The remainder of 2010 has plenty on tap in the way of classic stories that will be immortalized via the silver screen. If you are one of the bibliophiles who prefers to read the real deal before you buy your popcorn and claim your spot in the theater, Bauman Rare Books inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo offers valuable first editions of books that inspired highly-anticipated upcoming films. From a first edition of “Alice in Wonderland” to a signed copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” valuable copies of books that inspired some of 2010’s most highly anticipated blockbusters are available at the city’s favorite antiquarian book dealer.

1. Book: Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” 1866. Beautifully bound rare first American edition, virtually the earliest obtainable edition of this children’s classic; $16,000.

Movie: Tim Burton directs the new 3-D fantasy Alice in Wonderland offering his own unique twist on the beloved stories of Lewis Carroll. Johnny Depp stars as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska is the 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the magical world of her childhood adventure to learn her true destiny: to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. Released in theaters March 5.

2.
Book: Walter Scott. “Ivanhoe,” 1820. Scarce first edition, first issue, of Scott’s classic novel of chivalry in the age of Richard the Lionheart and Robin Hood; $4000.

Movie: Director Ridley Scott teams up with Russell Crowe as Robin Hood and Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian for this legendary tale of how an archer in the service of King Richard the Lionheart came to be a famous outlaw of English folklore. Beginning after the Death of King Richard at the Siege of Chalus Chabrol, the film follows Robin on his rise to infamy. Robin Hood will be in theaters May 14.

3.
Book: J.K. Rowling. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” 2007. First edition of the seventh and final book in Rowling’s phenomenally popular fantasy series, inscribed by the author on the title page; $13,500.

Movie: Voldemort’s power is growing stronger. He now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore’s work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord. But little hope remains for them, so everything they must do must go as planned. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be in theaters November 19.

4.
Book: C.S. Lewis. “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” 1952. First edition of the third book in Lewis’ beloved Chronicles of Narnia; $6,200.

Movie: Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea abroad the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the wat they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader will be in theaters December 10.

5.
Book: Jonathan Swift. “Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World,” 1726. First edition of Swift’s classic, with engraved frontispiece portrait of Gulliver; $20,000.

Movie: Travel writer Lemuel Gulliver as played by Jack Black takes an assignment in Bermuda, but ends up on the island of Lilliput, where he towers over its tiny citizens. The all-star comedic cast includes Emily Blunt as Princess of Lilliputia, Jason Segel as Horatio, and Billy Connolly in the role of the King of Lilliputia. Gulliver’s Travels, in theaters December 22.