A Gentle Madness
A first edition, first printing of A Gentle Madness by Nicholas A. Basbanes (Henry Holt, 1995) is worth about $46 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $345 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “First Edition—1995” and the number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 (down to 1).
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$46
Valued from 10 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $53 | $345 | $311 | $207 |
| Near fine | $46 | $300 | $270 | $180 |
| Very good | $40 | $255 | $230 | $153 |
| Good | $36 | $216 | $194 | $130 |
| Fair | $30 | $180 | $162 | $108 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of A Gentle Madness.
✓ Copyright page: “First Edition—1995” and the number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 (down to 1)
✓ Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1995
✓ Price: $35.00 on the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: quarter dark brown cloth over brown paper boards, spine lettered in gilt; pictorial endpapers
✓ Dust jacket: black and gold ornamental border with gilt foil, woodcut of a scholar among books at the centre
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of A Gentle Madness is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “First Edition—1995” and the number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 (down to 1) ✓ Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1995 ✓ Price: $35.00 on the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: quarter dark brown cloth over brown paper boards, spine lettered in gilt; pictorial endpapers ✓ Dust jacket: black and gold ornamental border with gilt foil, woodcut of a scholar among books at the centre The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of A Gentle Madness worth?
- $30–$53 unsigned, up to $345 signed, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of October 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Is a signed first edition, first printing of A Gentle Madness worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Nicholas A. Basbanes is valued at about $300, against $46 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of A Gentle Madness?
- Yes. We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation to sell.
Selling a copy?
We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation. Get an offer.