A rare first-edition copy of Emily Brontë’s "Wuthering Heights," noted for its original cloth binding and typographical errors, is set to be auctioned in London for the first time in over a century. The Christie’s auction house announced on Monday that the copy, which has remained in a private collection since shortly after its 1847 publication, will be offered for sale on June 30.

Only about 250 copies of the novel’s first edition were produced, and most surviving copies have been rebound, making original cloth bindings exceptionally scarce. Mark Wiltshire, Christie’s specialist in books and manuscripts, emphasized the rarity of this edition due to the survival of the publisher’s original binding. He also highlighted the presence of typographical mistakes, including the misspelling of the title “heights,” which reflect the rushed publication following the success of Charlotte Brontë’s "Jane Eyre."

The auction will also feature a first-edition copy of Anne Brontë’s "Agnes Grey," with both books bearing the male pseudonyms the sisters used to publish their work—Emily as Ellis Bell and Anne as Acton Bell. The two novels are expected to fetch between £400,000 and £600,000 (approximately $540,000 to $800,000).

"Wuthering Heights" has experienced renewed interest partly due to a recent film adaptation directed by Emerald Fennell, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the novel’s central characters, Cathy and Heathcliff. The story’s enduring appeal lies in its intense emotional atmosphere, psychological complexity, and Gothic tone, which have inspired numerous adaptations and works of art over the years.

Upon its release, the novel provoked shock among some contemporary critics. An 1848 review condemned it for what it described as “vulgar depravity and unnatural horrors.” Despite early criticism, the novel has since become a significant cultural landmark, influencing various artistic forms including music—most famously Kate Bush’s 1978 song—and multiple stage and screen interpretations.

Wiltshire noted that "Wuthering Heights" continues to resonate due to its profound emotional impact and remains a powerful source of inspiration in both literary and broader cultural contexts.