Fireproof copy of The Handmaid’s Tale sells at Sotheby’s for £103,000
- by Announcement, Rare Book Hub staff
Author Margaret Atwood helping PEN, which advocates for free expression around the world.
NEW YORK — Margaret Atwood years ago imagined apocalyptic disaster, Dystopian government and an author faking her own death. But until recently she spared herself the nightmare of trying to burn one of her own books using a flamethrower.
It didn’t burn but made headlines with the effort.
Recently, a unique unburnable version of her “The Handmaid’s Tale”, made with a specially treated aluminum product, was donated for PEN America's annual gala auction, fetching £103,000.
The connection to fire with Miss Atwood’s 1985 best seller is that fire was an important aspect of the plot. To understand it, buy a copy. However, if you have no burning desire to read the book on Abe Books and Alibris you can buy a shortcut called Cliff Notes [Yup, the same folks who got you through college!].
In the meantime, you can follow a video prepared by the donors to entice bidders. If you are less than mesmerized with the attached advertisements preceding the video there is a tasteful link on the lower right corner to skip messages from their sponsors.
Recently most hot books are those that were stolen. If needed, we’ll consider to add a new category to Transactions+; i.e. “Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps, Ephemera, and Fireproof Books" OR "Rare and Fireproof Books, Manuscripts, Maps, and Ephemera".
We respectfully request your opinion.
Proceeds are being donated to PEN, which advocates for free expression around the world.
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary pair of books from George Washington’s field library, marking the conjunction of Robert Rogers, George Washington, and Henry Knox. $1,200,000 to $1,800,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary letter marking the conjunction of George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Benjamin Franklin. $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: Virginia House of Delegates. The genesis of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. $350,000 to $500,000.
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: (Gettysburg). “Genl. Doubleday has taken charge of the battle”: Autograph witness to the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, illustrated by fourteen maps and plans. $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: President Lincoln thanks a schoolboy on behalf of "all the children of the nation for his efforts to ensure "that this war shall be successful, and the Union be maintained and perpetuated." $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.
![<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.](https://ae-files.s3.amazonaws.com/AdvertisementPhotos/9d2762bc-9f26-47ef-96de-1c28070e19f6.png "<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.")