From Pam: "Yes, this poor book belongs to me. It was in good condition when Hank gave it to me. I left it on his coffee table at Carlton that night, and we spilled a beverage or two on it, (not deliberately, of course). It has also done a lot of traveling over the years, (including trips in the blood-wine battleship among the deleterious effects of my life.). It is part of what's left of my personal collection and I do have a soft spot for it, but I am curious about it's worth. I guess its sentimental value has caused me to lose perspective. And, yes, the reserve is fairly high."
Isn't a book (or a car or a dog) worth whatever someone will pay for it? No one even bit at the opening bid of $500, and she indicated that the reserve was higher than that.
By "her copy" I assume you mean one inscribed to her by Bukowski. Because she has owned many copies of Scarlet, and I wouldn't think her ownership necessarily adds to the value. It's certainly an interesting story you can tell people - "Hey I bought this from 'Scarlet'!" - but that's about it. One that Bukowski inscribed to her would be a different story, of course. But $15,000?
Her copy of Scarlet with the original art has more than an inscription - it offers a unadulterated view into Hank's deep love for Pam and the vulnerability their relationship caused him to endure. Without question the most collectible single Bukowski item I've seen or could readilly conjure in my small little brain.
