Aickman, Robert

Robert Aickman wrote supernatural tales and books about canals (I imagine there's a supernatural canal tale in amongst his 48 short stories). His early publications from Cape and Gollancz are the most collectable editions, though the more recently published Tartarus Press editions are just as desirable given the quality of production and consistency with other published titles.

Aickman, whose grandfather on his mother's side was Richard Marsh, author of The Beetle, wrote two novels (The Late Breakfasters and The Model) and nine short story collections. All titles are collectable, with perhaps The Late Breakfasters being perhaps the pinnacle of an Aickman collection. The recent publications from Faber and the Tartarus Press have had a solid impact on Aickman collectables, finding new readers and invigorating the market.

Inscribed books are highly-prized though not impossible to find. The early titles are particularly sought after and including the Gollancz issues of The Late Breakfasters and Dark Entries. His book We Are for the Dark is also highly sought, and written with his lover Elizabeth Jane Howard. The Tartarus Press has reprinted Aickman extensively, and the Centipede Press produced a lavish oversized issue.

For more information about Aickman, check out the Tartarus Press biography.

We have been fortunate enough to handle two extensive collections of Aickman including a collection of all his major works inscribed, including jacket art work. And a collection belong to a relative of a close friend of Aickman's which included hundreds of letters between Aickman and his hitherto unknown lover Edith Tyler. The collection included letters from both parties, which is quite uncommon. Along with the letters were other letters to friends and lovers, including a back and forth with Howard. Of course, there were also a number of inscribed association copies. Please feel free to contact us if you have Aickman to sell.