Brookline Booksmith customers participated in a rare opportunity during October to buy a limited-edition pre-released signed copy of Paul McCartney’s newest book, “Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run,” which sold recently for the $4,000 asking price. The book, which was released on Nov. 4, details how McCartney formed the band “Wings” after separating from the Beatles.

This signed book was one of only 175 sold worldwide, Booksmith assistant manager Peter Win said.

“As they’ve published each of these books, they’ve done this very special limited edition of signed copies that have only been available initially to independent bookstores. So, a very limited quantity,” Win said.

Win said independent bookstores, including the Booksmith and others, were able to acquire signed versions of this book from the publisher, W.W. Norton.

According to Booksmith floor and closing manager Sara Waltuck, this is actually the second time the Booksmith has sold a deluxe edition, signed Paul McCartney-related book.

“We had a lot of fun with the previous Beatles book that had a similar deluxe edition. I’m hoping people are really excited about this because I think it’s very, very cool,” Waltuck said.

For many, love for a band can begin early. Brookline Booksmith customer Zach Poldoian was introduced to the Beatles when he was five years old and accompanied his mother to buy a Beatles CD with the song “Let It Be” for his dad’s father’s day gift. He has been an avid fan of Paul McCartney ever since.

For Poldoian, the Beatles are not merely a band, but part of his family’s history. He said his parents, now in their 70s, have been listening to The Beatles for many years and hold continued excitement with every new piece of media related to the group.
“Paul McCartney is hands down, to date, the best song, music writer, hands down in history,” Poldoian said. “His creativity still lives on for a guy who’s 83 years old.”

Waltuck explained that the niche for Paul McCartney memorabilia leads to new Booksmith customers.

“People who might not already know about us, but are big Paul McCartney fans in the area, might have found us through this listing.”