Proof copies offer a rare glimpse into the publishing process before a book reaches the public. They capture texts at a key stage of development.
Publishers produce them to review content, layout, and corrections. Many notable works of twentieth century fiction first appeared in this form. Proof copies often show differences from later editions.
Our collection features proofs of important twentieth century novels and later literary highlights. Whether you collect modern firsts or publishing history, these books offer rarity, authenticity, and strong literary significance.
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.)
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Nevil Shute – A Town Like Alice – Proof Copy
£975.00A proof copy of ‘A Town Like Alice’ published by Heinemann in 1950. Typical condition for a proof copy of this age – the spine has been laid down and…
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Alfred Wainwright – A Dales Sketchbook [with] A Second Dales Sketchbook – UNBOUND PROOF COPIES 1976/77
£175.00A set of unbound proofs. Used by the printers for type setting and proof reading – scarce.
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Alfred Wainwright – An Eden Sketchbook – UNBOUND PROOF COPY 1980
£95.00An unbound proof. Used by the printers for type setting and proof reading – scarce.
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.) -
Alfred Wainwright – A Dales Sketchbook – UNBOUND PROOF COPY 1976
£95.00An unbound proofs. Used by the printers for type setting and proof reading – scarce.
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.) -
Tim Fitzgeorge-Parker – The Guv’nor – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1980
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of The Guv’nor by Tim Fitzgeorge-Parker, published by Collins, in 1980. A near fine copy, some creasing to the spine and fading to the top edge…
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Anne and Edward Syfret – Bella – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1974
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of Bella by Anne and Edward Syfret, published by Macmillan, London in 1975. A near fine copy, with toning and creasing to the spine, very light…
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William J. Caunitz – Black Sand – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1989
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of Black Sand by William J. Caunitz, published by Century, London in 1989, number 285 in a limited edition of 500. A near fine copy, crease…
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Stephen Amidon – Splitting The Atom – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1990
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of Splitting The Atom by Stephen Amidon, published by Bloomsbury, London in 1990. A near fine copy, with bumping to the spine tips and corners, light…
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Sheila Hocken – After Emma – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1988
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of After Emma by Sheila Hocken, published by Gollancz, London in 1988. A near fine copy, with fading to the soft boards, titles obscured by misaligned…
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Sarah Harrison – An Imperfect Lady – SIGNED LIMITED EDITION – Uncorrected Proof Copy
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of An Imperfect Lady by Sarah Harrison, published by Macdonald. A near fine copy, signed by the author in black ink to the title page, additionally…
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Robert Conquest – Kolyma – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1977
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of Kolyma by Robert Conquest, published by Macmillan in 1977. A near fine copy, with fading to the spine, spotting and toning to the upper edge…
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Pierre Schoendoerffer – The Paths Of The Sea – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1977
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of The Paths of the Sea by Pierre Schoendoerffer, published by Collins, London in 1977. A near fine copy, with fading to the spine, bumping to…
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Margaret Butler – This Turbulent Priest – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1977
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of This Turbulent Priest by Margaret Butler, published by Macmillan, London in 1977. A near fine copy, with bumping to the fore-edge of soft front panel…
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Lennard Bickel – This Accursed Land – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1977
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of This Accursed Land by Lennard Bickel, published by Macmillan, London in 1977. A near fine copy, with toning to the spine, bumping to the head…
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Kate Coscarelli – Living Colour – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1987
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of Living Colour by Kate Coscarelli, published by Macdonald, London in 1987. A near fine copy, with fading and creasing to the spine, some spotting to…
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.) -
Jonathan Keates – The Shakespeare Country – Uncorrected Proof Copy 1979
£35.00An uncorrected proof copy of The Shakespeare Country by Jonathan Keates, published by Collins, London in 1979. A near fine copy, with buckling and fading to the spine, some toning…
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.)

















