Name: Game of Thrones Advance Reading Copy
Brand: Moons Rare Books
SKU: game-of-thrones-advance-reading-copy
Availability: InStock

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Game of Thrones Advance Reading Copy

$262.50

Original: $750.00

-65%

Game of Thrones Advance Reading Copy—

$750.00

$262.50

Original: $750.00

-65%

Game of Thrones Advance Reading Copy—

$750.00

$262.50

The Story

6b George R. R. Martin. New York: Bantam Books, January 1996 (Book is first published in August of 1996). Advance Readers Copy. SIGNED. With original signed letter from Associate Editor Anne Lesley Groell.

Notes

Game of Thrones is the monumental opening volume of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga, a work that redefined high fantasy for the 21st century. Set on the continent of Westeros, the narrative follows the noble Stark family as they are drawn into a lethal web of political intrigue, civil war, and ancient supernatural threats. Unlike the clear-cut morality of previous fantasy epics, Martin’s world is defined by its brutal realism and complex "grey" characters; in this landscape, "when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die." The novel weaves together multiple perspectives—from the icy Wall in the North to the exiled dragon princess in the East—creating a sprawling tapestry of power, honor, and betrayal.

Before becoming a global phenomenon, George R.R. Martin was an established sci-fi author and television writer who spent years developing the intricate history of Westeros. The production of this specific Advance Reading Copy in January 1996 was a critical moment in literary history; Bantam Books produced a limited number of these "pre-publication" copies to build buzz among booksellers and reviewers months before the official August release. This copy is made exceptionally significant by the inclusion of a signed letter from Anne Lesley Groell, the editor who famously "discovered" the series and has edited every volume since. Her personal advocacy and editorial guidance make her correspondence a vital link to the book's origins.

The true January 1996 Advance Reading Copy is distinguished by several unique "points of issue" that separate it from later promotional materials and trade editions. Most notably, it features striking cover artwork by Stephen Youll that was unique to this early release and never appeared on the final 1996 silver-covered trade edition. Unlike standard hardcovers, this ARC is a softback issue in white wraps, often found with a matching trial dust jacket that includes a gold foil circular review sticker. These early "uncorrected proofs" are also historically significant for containing minor textual differences and formatting that were refined before the final August publication.

This Signed Advance Reading Copy is highly valuable in modern fantasy collecting. Because ARCs are produced in small quantities and intended to be discarded, surviving examples are rare; a signed copy with its original editor's letter is especially singular. This 1996 issue predates the global fame brought by the future adaptations, capturing a moment when Westeros was still a burgeoning secret.

Description

White paper covers with tan lettering. Original wrapper for Arc over the paper wrappers. Especially fine condition for a paper back book which was not intended to survive. Adding to the value is the folded page and response card sent and signed by Anne Lesley Groell. Signed on title page.