Families often control the literary remains of a famous author, believing themselves appropriate stewards of genius.

Ask any performer on a long, lonely tour, any famous author staggering from one reading to the next, any roving reporter or stand-up comic.

But the association with the famous author bumps it up to about $26,000.

When a famous author delivers an underwhelming performance, there are usually flatterers on hand to reassure him.

Of course, it's also weird to go downstairs and have a famous author telling you to tidy up your room or do your homework.