Signed Nicholas Blake Books ~ C Day Lewis Signature
If you are unsure as to whether the signature in your first edition book is correct or not here is a brief guide on how to spot a genuine Nicholas Blake signature from a forged or fake one
Being able to tell a forgery from the genuine article is not as difficult as many would think. Fakes generally are pretty poor when you know what to look for. The key is fluidity in the writing, look for hesitancy or signs of the pen being lifted from the paper.
One danger area is when a forger simply signs a book with no effort to replicate the author’s actual writing. These do have flourish and fluid movement so beware.
Clearly then this is when a guaranteed example for comparison is invaluable.
Do not use the example as a guide to a perfect match - rather simply for the style of the handwriting.
Signatures change over time and depending on how many things somebody may have signed that day
A Genuine Example c1954 from a First Edition Book
Rarity - Rare
Signed UK first editions, and indeed American editions are not regarded as common. It is easier to find books written under his real name whereas the mystery titles under his pseudonym are much scarcer signed, also more popular with collectors.
Value - Valuation
The autograph in the book does add a reasonable premium. With early crime fiction titles considerably so. They are already valuable as first editions with original dust jackets so be prepared to pay a premium price
Brief Biography
C Day Lewis, born 27 April 1904 and died 22 May 1972, was Poet Laureate for 4 years as well as being a very popular writer of crme and mystery novels under the pen name of Nicholas Blake. As an aside he is also the father of the well-known actor Daniel Day Lewis.
Hope this helps
Rod Collins
Goldeneye Rare Books
