10 old children’s books you could have lying around worth up to £139,000 - full list including The Hobbit

It’s fair to say that the UK is home to a nation of hoarders. Around 50 percent of Brits confess they struggle with decluttering due to sentimental attachment to items, while 26 percent of homeowners are clueless about what is in their attic, according to home insurance specialist Homeprotect.

But among your piles of stuff could be hidden treasures worth a lot of money and old books are no exception. Early and special editions of classic novels are often passed down as heirlooms, beloved childhood memories or prized possessions - and over the years they can gain incredible value.

With that in mind, Homeprotect conducted a study to identify the most valuable first-edition listings of classic children’s books that, if sold, could earn you extra money amid the cost-of-living crisis. Taking the top spot as the biggest literary hidden treasure is Jane Austen’s beloved young adult classic Pride and Prejudice, with some first edition copies listed for £139,356.

Originally published in 1813, early editions of the story sold for 18 shillings, equating to roughly £52 in today’s money and a value increase of 267,892 percent. Austen’s classic love story is her most popular, having sold 20 million copies globally since it was first published, equating to over two-thirds of her total book sales.

Just under £100,000 behind Pride and Prejudice is the classic adventure novel Robinson Crusoe by 18th-century writer Daniel Defoe. Considered ‘the first English novel,’ it was published in 1719 at an estimated price of five shillings ( £36.89 in 2023) - a 106,219 percent price increase over 200 years.

David Joyson, chief customer officer at Homeprotect, said:“It’s amazing to see how much the value of these novels has increased, and during tough financial times, it may inspire a lot of us to dig through our garages, attics, and storage units for hidden treasures that may be worth far more than expected.