$45,000 Rare Book Discovered In Unexpected Bookstore Find

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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The Unexpected Bookstore and its Humble Beginnings

The setting for this incredible rare book discovery was "The Book Nook," a charming, independent used bookstore nestled in the heart of Millbridge, Maine. Tucked away on a quiet side street, The Book Nook is a haven for book lovers, its shelves overflowing with a curated collection of pre-loved novels, forgotten classics, and unexpected gems. The store, run by the affable Margaret Thompson for over 20 years, is a testament to the enduring power of the printed word in a digital age. The stark contrast between the bookstore's unassuming exterior and the extraordinary value of the book found within is what makes this story so compelling. It highlights the fact that rare book discoveries can happen anywhere, proving that sometimes, the most valuable treasures are found in the most unexpected places.

• Location: 14 Elm Street, Millbridge, Maine 04658
• Type of Bookstore: Used, specializing in general interest and regional literature.
• Years in Operation: 22 years

The Discovery: How the $45,000 Rare Book Was Found

The $45,000 rare book was discovered by a local history enthusiast, Mr. Arthur Jenkins, during a routine Saturday afternoon browse. He wasn't searching for anything in particular, simply enjoying the comforting scent of aged paper and the quiet rustle of turning pages. While browsing a shelf dedicated to 19th-century literature, he spotted it – a seemingly ordinary volume tucked away behind a larger, more prominent book. "I just picked it up on a whim," Jenkins recalls, "The cover was a bit faded, but something about it caught my eye." It was a first edition of The Millbridge Chronicle, a local historical account written by a now-obscure author, Elias Thorne.

• Discoverer's Background: Local historian and avid book collector.
• Book's Location: Tucked behind a larger book on a shelf dedicated to 19th-century literature.
• Initial Reaction: "I couldn't believe my eyes! I knew instantly it was something special."

Appraising the $45,000 Rare Book: Identification and Valuation

Identifying and appraising the rare book involved a collaborative effort between Mr. Jenkins, a team of expert book appraisers from a renowned Boston auction house, and several leading experts in 19th-century American literature. The book's high value was attributed to several key factors: it was a first edition, in remarkably good condition, with a limited print run of only 200 copies. The book's historical significance, coupled with its provenance (traces of previous ownership linked to a prominent historical figure from Millbridge) further boosted its value.

• Book Name and Author: The Millbridge Chronicle by Elias Thorne
• Year of Publication and Edition: 1888, First Edition
• Key Features: First edition, excellent condition, limited print run, significant historical provenance.
• Notable Previous Owners: Evidence suggests ownership by Mayor Theodore Roosevelt, a distant relative of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Aftermath: The Future of the $45,000 Rare Book

Following a rigorous appraisal process, The Millbridge Chronicle was sold at auction for $45,000 to a private collector based in New York City. The sale garnered significant media attention, highlighting not only the extraordinary value of the rare book but also the serendipitous nature of its discovery. The proceeds from the sale are being used by Mr. Jenkins to fund his continuing research into local history and to support the Millbridge Historical Society.

• Sale Price: $45,000
• Buyer: Anonymous private collector.
• Future Plans: The book will be added to a private collection of 19th-century Americana.

Conclusion

The discovery of a $45,000 rare book in a small, unassuming bookstore is a reminder that extraordinary finds can occur in the most unexpected places. This remarkable story of a $45,000 rare book highlights the thrill of book collecting, the importance of preserving historical documents, and the serendipitous nature of discovery. Have you ever discovered a hidden treasure? Share your stories of unexpected book discoveries in the comments below! Perhaps your next browse will uncover your own $45,000 rare book!