The Wasp Factory
A first UK edition, first impression of The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks (Macmillan, 1984) is worth about $101 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $837 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “First published 1984 by Macmillan London Limited”, ending with “Printed in Hong Kong” and no “Reprinted” line.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$101
Valued from 3 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $116 | — | — |
| Near fine | $101 | $837 | $837 |
| Very good | $85 | $711 | $711 |
| Good | $72 | — | — |
| Fair | $60 | — | — |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Wasp Factory.
✓ Copyright page: “First published 1984 by Macmillan London Limited”, ending with “Printed in Hong Kong” and no “Reprinted” line
✓ Price: £7.95 net at the foot of the front flap (unclipped); later impressions kept it, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first
✓ Dust jacket: black textured jacket, title in red, author in white, orange-yellow flames at the foot; jacket photograph by Marcus Wilson-Smith
✓ Binding: brown cloth, spine lettered in gilt
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Wasp Factory is a first UK edition, first impression?
- ✓ Copyright page: “First published 1984 by Macmillan London Limited”, ending with “Printed in Hong Kong” and no “Reprinted” line ✓ Price: £7.95 net at the foot of the front flap (unclipped); later impressions kept it, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first ✓ Dust jacket: black textured jacket, title in red, author in white, orange-yellow flames at the foot; jacket photograph by Marcus Wilson-Smith ✓ Binding: brown… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first UK edition, first impression of The Wasp Factory worth?
- $60–$116 unsigned, up to $837 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 UK edition, first impression of The Wasp Factory worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Iain Banks is valued at about $837, against $101 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Wasp Factory?
- 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.