Brian Aldiss Signed Firsts: A Reference

Brian Aldiss (1925–2017) was one of the most important figures in British science fiction — a writer, editor, anthologist, critic, and tireless advocate for the genre over a career spanning more than sixty years. His bibliography is enormous, encompassing literary fiction, science fiction, criticism, poetry, and autobiography.

Collecting Overview

Aldiss was a prolific signer throughout his long career, making signed copies of his later works readily available. The scarcity premium attaches primarily to his 1960s work, particularly UK first editions from Faber and Faber. Aldiss’s market is stronger in the UK than in the US.

Key Titles

• Hothouse (1962) — Faber and Faber (UK). Hugo winner. Aldiss’s most collectible title. Known as The Long Afternoon of Earth in the US (Signet, 1962). Signed UK firsts: $200–$500.
• Greybeard (1964) — Faber. Signed firsts: $75–$200.
• Barefoot in the Head (1969) — Faber. New Wave experimentalism. Signed firsts: $50–$150.
• Frankenstein Unbound (1973) — Jonathan Cape. Signed firsts: $40–$100.
• The Helliconia Trilogy (1982–1985) — Jonathan Cape. Aldiss’s magnum opus. Signed set: $100–$300.
• Non-Stop (1958) — Faber. Aldiss’s debut, known as Starship in the US. Signed firsts: $150–$400.

Aldiss remains undervalued in the American market relative to his importance in British science fiction.