The Long Valley
A first edition, first printing of The Long Valley by John Steinbeck (The Viking Press, 1938) is worth about $690 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page verso: “First published in September 1938” as the only printing statement, under “Copyright, 1938, by John Steinbeck”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$690
Valued from 2 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $792 |
| Near fine | $690 |
| Very good | $600 |
| Good | $510 |
| Fair | $420 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Long Valley.
✓ Title page verso: “First published in September 1938” as the only printing statement, under “Copyright, 1938, by John Steinbeck”
✓ Dust jacket: wraparound landscape with a horse by Elmer Hader, “Author of OF MICE AND MEN” on the front, lettered in black and blue
✓ Price: $2.50 on the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: beige buckram spine over terracotta cloth boards, spine stamped in red, top edge stained red
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Long Valley is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Title page verso: “First published in September 1938” as the only printing statement, under “Copyright, 1938, by John Steinbeck” ✓ Dust jacket: wraparound landscape with a horse by Elmer Hader, “Author of OF MICE AND MEN” on the front, lettered in black and blue ✓ Price: $2.50 on the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: beige buckram spine over terracotta cloth boards, spine stamped in red, top edge stained red The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Long Valley worth?
- $420–$792 unsigned, 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.
- Can I sell my copy of The Long Valley?
- 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.
More by John Steinbeck
- The Winter of Our Discontent — John Steinbeck · First edition, first printing · $173
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