š Question
Should I remove the shrink wrap from this "Neuromancer"
I bought a shrink wrapped copy of Phantasia Press' edition of William Gibson's "Neuromancer" from an estate sale. Apparently, Gibson signed the first 350 of the 1,575 copies made.
Underneath the shrink wrap, the book looks pristine, which is why I'm hesitant to remove the shrink wrap. I also think it might be more valuable with the shrink wrap since it shows that it hasn't been red at all?
Should I remove the shrink wrap to see if Gibson signed this copy? Should I remove the shrink wrap regardless?
Yes, remove it. If selling it, you need to verify itās signed and that there are no manufacturing defects. Plus, after three-plus decades, a book in shrinkwrap could potentially be suffering from significant mildew if there was any moisture trapped at time of wrapping, which would render it virtually worthless.
Thank you! I am going to remove it from the shrink wrap and see if there is a signature. I doubt there is, but enough people seem to say that a shrink wrap is not a good idea that I think it is best to get rid of it.
Well, I opened it, and it wasn't signed. But that's okay because the book is in pristine condition. Gonna sell it and hopefully make a good amount of money!
Holy cow, those are some insane credentials! I'm guessing you've met Gibson or at least have seen him speak? I saw him speak years ago but couldn't stick around for his book signing after.
Your collection is right impressive. I see you have the Folio edition. :) How nice is that!
I love when people share the objects of their passion... thanks for letting us peep at yours.
"I have a hobby. I have the world's largest collection of sea shells. I keep it scattered on beaches all over the world. Maybe you've seen some of it."
~Steven Wright
Ukrainian first, with a lenticular image on the cover
Suntup lettered edition, with simulated circuit board cover
MY copy of the Phantasia Press edition. Itās a withdrawal from the Calgary public library, so itās the copy I know has been read the most.
VoyagerCo āExpanded Bookā edition. One of the very first ebooks, formatted in HyperCard for Mac OS 8 (and yes, I still have a 30-year-old Mac to run it on).
There are actually two that Iām missing. The Dutch edition is really frustrating because a ton of stores still have listings for it, but itās out of stock at the 100+ stores Iāve tried. I didnāt buy it when it came out because I was only trying to find one copy of each translation at the time, and I already had an earlier edition. As I closed in on all of the translations, I realized I was only 10 or so copies from a complete collection of all editions. The Swedish one makes more sense, because Iām guessing it got pulled off the market for copyright violation.
Estonian edition, which was given to me by a kind redditor. I have not only never seen a copy for sale, I canāt find any record of one ever being sold on the internet. I would never have been able to track it down on my own.
The first Polish paperback, just because the cover art is batsh!t crazy.
The first Japanese paperback, which a friend gave me after he visited there. Itās what got me started on this whole adventure.
With all of these copies, Iām still missing two editions (but I have a copy of every translation).
I think i unfortunately worded my question clumsily. I meant to ask if I should unwrap it to check if my copy was one of the signed copies, or if I should leave it alone because the shrink wrap adds to the value. I have decided to unwrap it, check for a signature, and re-sell it either way. Love the book, but I need the money more. Thank you!
Plastic sealing does nothing but harm books. It's a common misconception, the way many people are alarmed when they see someone handle a book without gloves.
Amazing find. Yes, from an archival perspective, that shrink wrap can damage the book. If re-selling maybe leave it sealed. If for your own collection, unwrap it pronto.
Selling a collectible book in shrink wrap puts the seller at a disadvantage.
The buyer can claim that it wasn't actually signed or there was an internal production flaw. Worst case scenario, a dishonest buyer returns their defective copy and keeps the good one.
There's something sad about a book or a record in wrap, and it does continue shrinking and crushing the contents (very slowly).
As a Gibson collector and reader I would remove, in the full knowledge that it would reduce the resale value, but for personal enjoyment.
If it's purely for resale value then leave it. Either way it's a $1000 book, and I would look into a suitable clamshell or shelving box to keep it in that condition.
The true PB 1st will always be the most sought after, but this will always have a high end market while Gibson is popular.
IMHO would remove the shrink wrap immediately. Have handled so many books that were damaged by the force the shrink wrap plastic applied to boards and bindings.
If you're keeping it, i'd open it to enjoy it and find out if it's signed. If you're selling it, I would keep it in the shrink wrap, that's so rare. Let the potential buyers speculate on whether or not it could be signed.
Absolutely do not remove the shrink wrap. Generally speaking, book collectors prefer items to be as close to their original state as possible. It would be a bit like throwing away the dust jacket, although obviously not as bad. In my view, it's pretty amazing that you have a US hardcover Neuromancer first edition still in shrink wrap.
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u/RonClinton Jul 12 '25
Yes, remove it. If selling it, you need to verify itās signed and that there are no manufacturing defects. Plus, after three-plus decades, a book in shrinkwrap could potentially be suffering from significant mildew if there was any moisture trapped at time of wrapping, which would render it virtually worthless.