Here is a book from the Series #203 Yuletide Series. http://henryaltemus.com/series/series203.htm

It is presently being auctioned on Ebay (12/2010)

This series has eight books mostly related to the Christmas holidays. Regarding this particular book I guess some high bids might be expected because it is the week before Christmas but this is beyond common sense. With a day to go there have been 19 bids with the latest at $126.00.

The seller notes: Rare! Charles Dickens A Christmas carol Circa 1890.

Unfortunately this seller is less than candid especially since he emailed me to ask about the book and I told him that it was published between 1912-1916. He sort of forgot to amend his auction ad. I also told him that the book was not rare and should not sell for too much. Obviously I was wrong on the latter count.

But there is a fool born everyday. Look at the description: “The cover of the book has come off of the binding”. Who would buy a late reprint of a common title that is falling apart. Even in great shape with the original labeled box it normally would not sell for anything close to $100.

At least the buyer is getting close to what is advertised (just dated wrong). Clearly there is no erroneous claim about the edition, etc.

In the next few posts I will show some books that are described inaccurately in regards to rarity and edition and are for sale for unbelievably unreasonable prices.