Publishing houses are increasingly attempting to turn some of their first edition books into exclusive (and expensive) collector’s items. Taschen, the Los Angeles-based publisher, and luxury publisher Kraken Opus are among a handful of publishers who are publishing books in unusual formats with unusual features for exceptional prices. One example is a book about Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar. Published by Kraken Opus, the limited edition of ten copies ($75,000 each) includes a special page made from paper pulp mixed with a pint of Tendulkar’s blood.

Taschen has found such demand for some of its collector’s edition books that it has raised prices for some books it has already released. Its Helmut Newton photography book, titled “Sumo,” now costs $15,000, up from $1,500 when it came out in 1999.

These beautiful books appeal to Theta personalities, for whom a well selected book can make them feel like the true ‘them’, as well as Lambda personalities–for them a special, exclusive book can make them feel exceptional. In either case, how the individual interprets the book determines its value for him or her.