A first edition copy of F Scott Fitzgerald's classic The Great Gatsby has sold at the top of Heritage Auctions' October 17 Rare Books Signature Auction in New York.

The Great Gatsby is among the most sought after first editions, especially so after the success of the film

First editions of the book are scarce, explaining its $46,875 price. An original unrestored example, it was sold complete with its dust jacket, with the lowercase "j" in "jay Gatsby" on the back panel hand-corrected in ink.

Despite having always been a sought after rarity, the book appears to have increased in value since the release of Baz Luhrmann's 2013 screen adaptation, with a fine example selling at Sotheby's in June for $112,500.

Also starring in the auction was a superb collection of 218 lectures and related offprints by 80 Nobel Prize Laureates, 175 of which are signed. Including letters and signed photographs housed in six portfolios, the lot sold for $43,750.

Science related collectibles have proved extremely popular at auction recently, following the $6m sale of Francis Crick's DNA letter at Christie's in April. Heritage Auctions also sold his Nobel Prize for $2.2m earlier this year.

Buying a complete set such as this could offer great value for those looking to sell them on individually

The Nobel Prize lecture collection was followed by a complete set of British first edition copies of Ian Fleming's James Bond books, which sold for $31,250. Included in the set is a copy of For Your Eyes Only, which has been signed by Fleming himself.

At PBA Galleries on October 10, a fine first edition of Fleming's Casino Royale sold for $15,600.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has a fantastic selection of rare books and literary collectibles for sale.