First Polish editions of Karl May’s novels – true collector’s rarities.

Rare first Polish editions of Karl May’s novels in original period publisher’s bindings – including the complete Winnetou, Old Surehand, and Through Wild Kurdistan – preserved in above-average condition. Exceptional collector’s copies which, even in far inferior condition, have already achieved high prices on the antiquarian market. Top quality that defines and distinguishes us – coming up at the upcoming auction.

Karl May’s literary work has fired the imagination of readers around the world for over a century. His adventure novels—rich in exoticism, honor, and a romantic vision of the world—have secured a permanent place in the canon of youth and popular literature. For collectors, first Polish editions are of particular importance, especially those preserved in original publisher’s bindings from the period. Such copies are today considered true rarities.

At our upcoming auction, we will present an exceptional group of first editions by Karl May, united by one key feature: above-average state of preservation and extremely rare bindings.

“Winnetou. The Red Gentleman”, vols. 1–3 – first edition

The most famous cycle by Karl May, an absolute icon of adventure literature. The story of the friendship between Old Shatterhand and Winnetou, the Apache chief, is a tale of cultural conflict, honor, loyalty, and the struggle for justice in the American Wild West of the second half of the 19th century.

The offered set:

• first Polish edition,

• published by “Przez Lądy i Morza” (Through Lands and Seas), Lviv–Warsaw,

• responsible editor: Edmund Uszycki,

• richly illustrated, with illustrations in the text and on separate plates,

• original, hard publisher’s binding from the period.

Condition: DB/DB+ – minor edge wear; two volumes professionally conserved. The set still presents itself very well, which is a genuine rarity for publications of this type.

“Old Surehand”, vols. 1–3 – first edition

One of Karl May’s most dynamic and sensational novels. Old Surehand—a mysterious trapper and unrivaled marksman—guides the reader through the world of prairies, mountains, and frontier settlements of North America.

The copy:

• first Polish edition,

• classic “Przez Lądy i Morza” series,

• illustrations in the text and on separate plates,

• hard publisher’s binding from the period, preserved after professional spine conservation.

Condition: DB/DB+ – minor wear; the whole remains coherent and visually attractive. A copy clearly above the average market standard.

“Through Wild Kurdistan” – first edition

Part of Karl May’s Oriental cycle, featuring Kara Ben Nemsi, the author’s literary alter ego. A journey through Kurdistan, Mesopotamia, and the territories of the Ottoman Empire, combining adventure, exoticism, and reflection on the clash of cultures.

The offered copy:

• first Polish edition,

• published by “Przez Lądy i Morza”,

• numerous illustrations,

• original, hard publisher’s binding from the period.

Condition: DB/DB+ – minor wear; a small corner loss on several dozen leaves; the text block slightly loosened. Despite these characteristics, this is an exceptionally well-preserved copy, especially by current market standards.

A rarity with real value

One point deserves special emphasis:
Karl May’s works preserved in original publisher’s bindings from the period, in DB condition or better, are today major rarities. On the antiquarian market, one most often encounters copies in far inferior condition— incomplete, rebound, or heavily worn—which nevertheless have already achieved very high auction prices.

The books we present are distinguished by:

• authenticity,

• preserved original publisher’s bindings,

• professional conservation without compromising the character of the object,

• strong collector-grade aesthetics.

The highest quality of the offered copies is our hallmark—and precisely such items will appear at the upcoming auction.

For admirers of Karl May, collectors of first editions, and investors in the rare book market, this will be a truly exceptional opportunity.

At Antykwariat Sobieski, a book is not merely an object of trade—it is a testament to history, culture, and human passion. For years, we have selected our offerings with the utmost care, choosing only those copies that meet strict criteria of authenticity, condition, and collector value. Every item undergoes careful evaluation, and if intervention is required, it is carried out exclusively through professional conservation, with full respect for the original form.

Our passion lies in preserving and returning the most valuable monuments of the written word to circulation—so that they may continue to live on in private libraries and discerning collections. The first editions of Karl May presented here are the finest example of this mission: rare, authentic, and preserved in a condition increasingly seldom encountered on today’s market.

Additionally, we are proud that Antykwariat Sobieski is a beneficiary of the “Certificate for Small Bookshops” program of the Polish Book Institute, an initiative supporting independent bookshops and antiquarian dealers as cultural institutions that actively shape local literary life. Thanks to this support, we are able to pursue our work and share our passion for books and their history with an ever-wider audience.

Antykwariat Sobieski stands for quality, expertise, and responsibility toward the book—values that have distinguished us for years.