Once in a Lifetime Opportunity: Signed Christies by cover artist Martin Baker
Martin Baker is the cover artist who designed sixty-six covers for Agatha Christie books published by Fontana from 1981 through to 1986. Often referred to as 'foxtails' due to the 'g' font in Agatha's name, they marked a distinct departure from the style of Tom Adams. Today, these Baker covers are fondly remembered by many fans who have read them over the decades. With bold colours and the frequent use of blood splatters, their designs were often more metaphorical than specific to the book. To learn more about his broader work as well as all the Christie covers, please read my detailed article via this link.
While Christie fans have always been able to hunt for his covers, Martin had never previously signed any of these paperbacks. With encouragement, Martin graciously agreed to sign 150 of these books. So in late October, myself, Jules Burt (a friend and noted vintage paperback specialist), Martin and his wife Julia, spent an enjoyable morning of reflections, memories and conversation. During this time Martin signed 150 books and three box sets, and added unique inscriptions into several. His goal, and ours, is to have these books find new homes that will truly cherish them for what they are - a scarce and unique collectible that celebrates his cover art paired with Christie's stories. There's a wonderful video created by Jules Burt in which Martin shares his insights into some of the covers as well as providing background on how he started working with Fontana in 1981. The link to this video is provided later in this article within the UK Inventory section.
With only 150 signed books in existance, we ask that collectors only buy what they want for themselves, not with the intent to immediately resell. All books are signed in blue ink on the title page. In addition, we have enclosed a card certifying each signature's authenticity. These cards are countersigned by myself, David Morris, and Jules Burt. This should avoid anyone trying to pass off forged signatures as the only Christie books Martin has signed will come with this card. As far as price, given the cost of acquiring the books and everybody's time involved, we have also tried to make these affordable collectibles with US prices ranging from $30 and up based on condition (UK prices are similar after adjusting for the exchange rate).
To Order: Email me at CollectChristie@gmail.com . Let me know which books you want (inventory below with prices) and what condition category they are in, along with your shipping address. I will reply within 24 hours, and if any of the titles you selected have sold I will let you know should you wish to select a replacement(s). Once the order is finalized, I will send you a total including shipping along with payment details (Venmo preferred, PayPal if needed). I will try to update this list as they sell, but all sales will be based a first requestor basis.
At this time approximately half the stock is in the USA and half is in the UK. The logic is that it should let collectors and fans around the world to benefit from lower shipping costs. UK and European residents should consider selecting books from the UK inventory first, while the USA, Canada and the rest of the world should consider the US inventory. However, all inventory is available to everyone - it's just that shipping prices could be more based on what you choose.
The US Based Inventory.
Books held by me, David Morris, in the States are fully detailed below and images of all are shown lower in this article. Note that the three 'Inscribed Books' contain personal notes from Martin which is why they have a slightly higher cost based on condition.
In the 'Reader' category, a couple of books have ex-library markings so Martin added a 'Reuse - Recycle' inscription making these rather charming and the most affordable of the collectibles.
The Box Set. Of the three box sets he signed, one is in the US. The five books in the set are as the set was when first issued. The box is signed on top boldly, while the three books he created covers for are signed and the other two were reused covers by Tom Adams (these are unsigned). Four certificates of authenticity are provided - one for each signed book and one for the box. This is the ultimate collector set and is priced for the sum of its parts.
Condition Definitions. "Likely Unread" means there are no noticeable flaws (unless noted). The book and paper may show signs of age as they are over 40 years old, but the covers, spines and pages will not show creasing or folding. "Very Good" means that there may be some minor signs of wear, but nothing that overly detracts from the book. "Good" implies cover creases, folds or spine creases will be apparent. "Reader" means the book has above average wear or has ink markings beyond a previous owner's name, such as notes or unrelated scribbles. However, none of these are on text pages, or have ex-library references.
USA Remaining Inventory: Martin Baker Signed Books for Sale | |
SIGNED BOX SET: $240 (all items below) | LIKELY UNREAD: $65 |
Box signed on top | At Bertram's Hotel |
After the Funeral - signed - very good | Dumb Witness |
Passenger to Frankfurt - signed - good | Hercule Poirot's Christmas |
N or M? - signed - likely unread | Postern of Fate |
Mrs. McGinty's Dead - unread - (Adams cover) | The Body in the Library |
At Bertram's Hotel - good - (Adams cover) | The Hollow |
Nemesis | |
INSCRIBED BOOKS: | Endless Night |
$60 - After the Funeral (Highgate cemetery ref). Good condition. | Endless Night (w/ previous owner name) |
$80 - Hickory Dickory Dock (couldn't find a mouse). Likely Unread. | They Do It With Mirrors |
$80 - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (centenery reference). Likely Unread. | |
GOOD: $40 | |
VERY GOOD: $50 | Towards Zero |
A Carribean Mystery | Passenger to Frankfurt |
Lord Edgware Dies | Cat Among the Pigeons |
Miss Marple's Final Cases | The ABC Murders |
The Big Four | Lord Edgware Dies |
Curtain: Poirot's Last Case | Halloween Party |
Lord Edgware Dies | Dead Man's Folly |
The Big Four | Ordeal by Innocence |
Postern of Fate | They Came to Baghdad |
Murder in the Mews | Peril at End House |
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe | Elephants Can Remember |
The Hollow | Taken at the Flood |
By The Pricking of My Thumbs | Sparkling Cyanide |
The A.B.C. Murders | The Body in the Library (unread but cover has a few bits of colour loss) |
Sparkling Cyanide | Endless Night |
Murder in the Mews | The Thirteen Problems |
The Clocks | Postern of Fate |
Destination Unknown | Dumb Witness |
The Labours of Hercules | Sleeping Murder |
Five Little Pigs | |
READER: $30 | |
Why Didn't They Ask Evans? | |
At Bertram's Hotel | |
Hallowe'en Party (Ex-Lib: w/ inscription) | |
Taken at the Flood (Ex-lib: w/ inscription) | |
UK Inventory.
For those who would like to order books directly from the UK, please watch the video created by Jules Burt at: Link. This shows all his inventory and ordering instructions are detailed in the notes on YouTube as well as in his video. He can be emailed directly at JulesBurt@gmail.com . If you have any difficulties, let me know as I can provide assistance. By splitting the location of books and the logistics in shipping we hope this actually supports your collecting goal. Note that you may order from either inventory block, though shipping costs will vary.
Closing Comments.
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Remember, I can be reached at collectchristie@gmail.com amd I enjoy hearing from you so don't be shy if there's something you want to share, a correction or edit to any of my articles or something you'd like to read about.
Happy Collecting!
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