Blackwell's marks 140th anniversary with signed copies from Obama and Galbraith

Blackwell's will celebrate its 140th anniversary with books signed by Michelle Obama and Robert Galbraith up for auction for Book Aid International throughout June. 

Blackwell’s in partnership with eBay UK is aiming to raise money for Book Aid International who work to create a world where everyone has access to the books they need.

Books will be listed for auction on eBay throughout June, headline titles include: Becoming signed by Obama (Viking), Career of Evil signed by J K Rowling's pen name Galbraith (Sphere), Doctor Who: Scratchman signed by Tom Baker (BBC Books) and The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book signed by Neil Gaiman (Headline). 

Blackwell’s c.e.o. David Prescott: “Book Aid International is a fantastic charity, what better way, as part of our 140th celebrations, to share our vision of changing lives through reading than helping them with their mission”.

“This is a wonderful initiative by Blackwell’s. What a fabulous opportunity to acquire signed editions of these very special books and at the same time support our charity in sending more books to those who cannot afford to buy the books they need," said Book Aid International c.e.o. Alison Tweed. "The more the auction raises, the more books we can send! Thank you, Blackwell’s, from all those who read the books we send.” 

The retailer kicked off a year of celebrations in April, by choosing 140 books that reflect its mission to “change lives through reading”, with one title for each year since 1879. Founder Benjamin Henry Blackwell opened the Broad Street store in Oxford in 1879 with the company, which now boasts 30 shops, continuously trading from there ever since.