Signed First Edition Club
Each month, Harvard Book Store offers Signed First Edition Club members a signed first printing of a newly published book, selected for both its literary merit and potential collectibility.
The Signed First Edition Club brings some of the most well-known and well-respected authors writing today to your bookshelf—renowned novelists, essayists, historians, memoirists, and poets—as well as acclaimed debut and emerging authors. The club has been a popular service for Harvard Book Store customers and readers across the country since its launch in 2007!
Each Signed First Edition Club pick is a first edition and first printing, signed by the author, delivered to you in pristine condition with its jacket in a transparent protective wrapping to extend the life of the book. You'll also receive a specially made Harvard Book Store "Signed First Edition Club" bookmark, featuring a few words from a Harvard Book Store staffer on why they loved this book.
Sign up or give a gift membership today!
August 2025 Selection
Madeleine Thien, The Book of Records
"When Lina and her father arrive at an island refugee camp, their stay is meant to be temporary. Known as “The Sea,” this makeshift community is designed to house people in between voyages, not to serve as a permanent residence. Lina’s father, however, is plagued with a weak heart that would make further travel too dangerous an undertaking, forcing them to remain for years in this liminal
space. Among the family’s scant possessions is a farcically nationalistic history book that Lina obsessively studies, bereft that she has no access to a formal education. As the years pass, however, and she befriends more and more of her neighbors, Lina is treated to a much more involved and personal history of the world. Spanning generations of historical, political, and oppressive movements, this genre-bending book is filled with as much cautionary history as lyrical magic."
—Melissa S., Harvard Book Store
"Madeleine Thien’s inventive and ambitious fourth novel, The Book of Records, opens with maximum intrigue…Fans of books like Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West and Omar El Akkad’s What Strange Paradise will find much to enjoy in the structure, tone, and concerns of The Book of Records. Many readers will find the novel’s observations about the nature of authoritarian governments especially timely…One can’t help but admire the breadth of Thien’s imagination."
—Leland Cheuk, The Boston Globe
Recent and Upcoming Selections
- January 2025: Weike Wang, Rental House
- February 2025: Olivia Wolfgang-Smith, Mutual Interest
- March 2025: Laila Lalami, The Dream Hotel
- April 2025: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dream Count
- May 2025: Karen Russell, The Antidote
- June 2025: Ocean Vuong, The Emperor of Gladness
- July 2025: Susan Choi, Flashlight
- August 2025: Madeleine Thien, The Book of Records
- September 2025: Gary Shteyngart, Vera, or Faith
- October 2025: M. L. Rio, Hot Wax
- November 2025: Brandon Taylor, Minor Black Figures
- December 2025: Gish Jen, Bad Bad Girl
What comes with membership?
Each month, members receive a premium book of recent publication. A collection of signed first editions will enhance any library. Harvard Book Store’s selections represent the forefront of literary fiction and nonfiction and reflect the acclaimed authors hosted by the store’s award-winning event series. Selections are personally chosen by our discerning staff of readers. View recent picks and upcoming selections above.
The books in this program are guaranteed first editions, first printings, with the author's signature. Each book arrives in pristine condition with its jacket in a transparent protective wrapping to extend the life of the book. You'll also receive a specially made Harvard Book Store "Signed First Edition Club" bookmark, featuring a few words from a Harvard Book Store staffer on why they loved this book.
In addition to regular monthly selections, members may also receive exclusive offers on other special limited-edition signed books.
What is a signed first edition? Why is it valuable?
A first edition is the original printing of a book. First editions, first printings are distinguished from subsequent printings, as they represent the closest edition in time and intent to the author's original work. A signed first edition is a unique addition to any library, and to dealers and collectors, a signed first edition is the most desirable—and valuable—edition.
Also, your membership supports Harvard Book Store, a landmark literary institution, and helps ensure that the store will exist—and continue to host its award-winning author event series—for years to come.
How much does membership cost?
Our monthly costs include the average price of a hardcover book, plus materials and handling. Current terms can be found on the sign-up form.
How long are subscriptions?
Our monthly costs include the average price of a hardcover book, plus materials and handling. Current terms can be found on the sign-up form.
How do I sign up?
On this page and on the subscription homepage, you'll see a red "subscribe" button. Click on this button to add a subscription to your cart. Your cart will appear as a pop up on the right side of the page. When you are ready, you can click "checkout" on this popup, or click on the cart icon at the top right of the page.
Can I give a membership as a gift?
Of course! A gift subscription is a thoughtful present for the holidays, special occasions, or just because! During checkout, select the "this is a gift" option, and our portal will guide you through the process. Alternatively, you can give a gift voucher. Learn about the two ways to give here.
How do I update my information or membership?
We operate our club via Subbly, a subscription club portal. After you sign up, you'll be able to log in to the portal on this site to update payment information, shipping address, or subscription. This portal can be found at the top right on this page, or at https://membership.harvard.com/.
What if I don't want a certain month's selection?
After their 6 month commitment period ends, those with ongoing memberships may skip 2 selections per year using the membership portal.
May I return a selection?
All Signed First Edition titles, after purchase, are non-refundable and non-returnable.
How do I receive my subscription selections?
You can pick up orders or have them shipped. You'll be able to make this selection during checkout. Pick up orders in store at 1256 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 at the Information Desk on or after the assigned pickup date. Monthly emails will announce shipout dates for your selections, but generally, titles are ready for pick up or are shipped out on the 20th of the month, or on the next non-holiday weekday.
How long will you hold my pickup order?
We will hold pickup orders for 90 days. Since we do not have space to indefinitely hold orders, your book will be donated to one of our book donation partners if you are unable to pick it up within that time. Please contact us if you think you will be unable to pick up an order.
Is there a limit to how many people can sign up?
Yes. As signed first editions are difficult to procure in large quantities, Harvard Book Store must limit the number of members. If the member limit is exceeded, a wait list will be started.
Can I join both this club and the New Voices in Fiction Club?
Yes! Our Signed First Edition and New Voices in Fiction Clubs have unique selections, so you won't receive duplicate copies of books. If you enroll in both subscriptions, you'll receive even more fantastic selections. To sign up for both club, you'll need to complete two separate transactions.
I have a question that isn't answered here. Whom do I ask?
Write to signedfirst@harvard.com or ask a bookseller in the store. Email is the best contact method for prompt support.