The Transmigration of Timothy Archer (1982) Signed First Edition Reference

The Transmigration of Timothy Archer was Dick’s final completed novel, published by Timescape (Simon & Schuster) in 1982, just weeks before his death on March 2. The novel is the concluding volume of the VALIS trilogy, but it is also Dick’s most realistic work — a literary novel narrated by Angel Archer, the daughter-in-law of an Episcopal bishop whose theological quest leads him to Israel and ultimately to self-destruction. The novel is based loosely on the life of Bishop James Pike, whom Dick knew personally.

First Edition Identification

Publisher: Timescape Books (Simon & Schuster), New York Publication date: 1982 Format: Hardcover in dust jacket

Published just before Dick’s death. First printings do not carry any death notices or memorial additions — those appear only in later printings.

Signed Copy Market Values

• Signed first edition, fine/fine: $2,000–$5,000
• Unsigned first edition, fine/fine: $50–$150

As Dick’s final novel, the book carries both literary and memorial significance. The realistic literary mode — no science fiction elements — demonstrates the mainstream novelist Dick always aspired to be. Signed copies are extremely scarce given the timing of publication relative to Dick’s death.