A first edition of Virginia Woolf’s novel *The Waves*, signed by the author, has sold for more than £25,000, raising significant funds for the charity Oxfam. The rare book was discovered among donated items at an Oxfam shop in Bristol.

Maria Fenner, a volunteer at the Cotham Hill Oxfam shop for four years, identified the signature on the novel, which was inscribed "Virginia Woolf Oct 1931," the month the book was originally published. The copy also retained its original 20p price tag. After noticing the marking, Maria asked fellow volunteer Angela Iliff, who has a strong interest in history, to help verify its authenticity. Following their research, the shop manager, Sula Dunne-Prevatt, was informed.

Sula Dunne-Prevatt credited Maria and Angela for their vigilance and thoroughness in recognizing the book’s potential value. Their efforts allowed the charity to authenticate the edition and arrange for its sale.

The novel, which explores the lives of six characters from childhood, was auctioned by Bonhams at their Knightsbridge location on Wednesday. The proceeds from the sale are expected to support Oxfam’s ongoing charitable work. The discovery highlights the potential value of donated items and the role of attentive volunteers in unearthing rare and valuable literature.