Paul Hawken
Environmentalist, Entrepreneur, and Author · Business and Environmental Sustainability
Erewhon, Smith & Hawken, and Project Drawdown
Era
Circa late 1980s to early 1990s
Item Type
Hardcover Book (Title Page)
Condition
Excellent; the signature is clear with no fading, and the paper shows minimal yellowing with sharp edges.
Rarity
Common; Hawken signed many copies of this title during its best-selling run and subsequent speaking tours.
Overall Assessment
A solid, authentic example of a notable 20th-century business intellectual's signature on his most famous work. Ideal for fans of sustainable business practices.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on consistency with signature habits during the peak promotion of 'Growing a Business'. Confidence level: 85%
Signature Style
Stylized monogram-led script involving a large, intertwining 'P' and 'H' with a trailing, more illegible 'Hawken' script.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid strokes with high pressure on the initials and a light, trailing finish. The 'H' features a vertical ascender that dominates the second half of the mark.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on cream-colored paper stock; the ink shows natural absorption into the fibers typical of late 20th-century paper.
Item Description
First edition or early printing title page of 'Growing a Business', published by Simon and Schuster, featuring the characteristic large typography of the book series.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches established exemplars from the late 1980s perfectly, particularly the way the 'P' loop is formed and the specific illegible squiggle for the latter half of the surname.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive crossing of the 'H' which often loops back through the 'P'. Forgeries are rare due to the relatively low market value.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett (BAS) or JSA if required, though the cost of certification may exceed the current market value of the book.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink flow and pressure indicate a natural, rapid signing motion.
Provenance Notes
Look for promotional bookmarks or bookplates from 1980s retailers like Brentano's or B. Dalton which often hosted signings for this title.
Historical Context
Hawken's 'Growing a Business' was a seminal text in the socially responsible business movement, influencing a generation of entrepreneurs.
Market Trends
Stable; demand is driven primarily by collectors of business history and environmentalists rather than high-end autograph speculators.
Investment Potential
Low; while a historic figure, the volume of signed copies available keeps the upside limited for investors.
Similar Autographs
Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia), Anita Roddick (The Body Shop), or Peter Senge.
Display & Preservation
Keep the book closed in a cool, dry environment; if displayed, use a book cradle and stay away from direct UV light to prevent fading of the blue ink.
Interesting Facts
Hawken often signed books during his PBS television series of the same name, which aired in the late 1980s, making signed copies of this specific title more prevalent than his later works.