Sylvia Plath first editions
What Sylvia Plath first editions are worth, valued from recorded sales, with each edition’s value by condition and signature and how to identify its first printing.
What Sylvia Plath first editions are worth
Every Sylvia Plath edition we value, most valuable first. Unsigned is a copy at its best valued grade.
| Edition | How to identify it | Unsigned | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariel Faber and Faber, 1965 · First print | Copyright page: "First published in mcmlxv by Faber and Faber Limited, 24 Russell Square London WC1" as the only printing statement. | $700 | — |
| The Bell Jar Faber and Faber, 1966 · First print | Copyright page: "First published in mcmlxiii by William Heinemann Limited / First published in this edition mcmlxvi by Faber and Faber Limited". | $659 | — |
| The Bell Jar Harper & Row, 1971 · First print | Copyright page: FIRST U.S. EDITION printed above "STANDARD BOOK NUMBER: 06-013356-2". | $460 | — |
| Ariel Harper & Row, 1966 · First print | Copyright page: "FIRST EDITION" above the Library of Congress number 66-15738, and the code D-Q centred beneath it. | $301 | $7,590 |
| The Bell Jar Heinemann, 1962 · uncorrected proof · Uncorrected Proof Copy | Wrappers: plain light grey printed wrappers lettered “(Not for Sale) Uncorrected Proof Copy”, “The Bell Jar”, “Victoria Lucas” | — | — |
| The Colossus Alfred A. Knopf, 1962 · First American edition, first printing | Copyright page: “First American Edition” stated | — | — |
Common questions
- What are the most valuable Sylvia Plath first editions?
- Ariel (first print, about $700 unsigned), The Bell Jar (first print, about $659 unsigned), The Bell Jar (first print, about $460 unsigned). Values are as of October 2026, from recorded sales.
- How do I know if my Sylvia Plath book is a first edition?
- Check the copyright page for a first edition statement or a number line that still has its 1, and compare the dust jacket price with the first printing's. Each edition page lists the exact points.
- Can I sell a Sylvia Plath first edition to BBourse?
- Yes. We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation to sell.
Selling a Sylvia Plath first edition? We value the exact copy and make a firm cash offer. Get an offer.