A Theory Of Justice
A first edition, first printing of A Theory Of Justice by John Rawls (The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1971) is worth about $2,371 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $14,168 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “© Copyright 1971 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College”, with no printing statement.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$2,371
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near fine | $2,371 | $14,168 | $14,168 |
| Very good | $2,015 | $12,043 | $12,043 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of A Theory Of Justice.
✓ Copyright page: “© Copyright 1971 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College”, with no printing statement
✓ Title page: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1971
✓ Dust jacket: green, title in dark purple, “John Rawls” in white
✓ Price: $15.00 at the top of the front flap (unclipped); the price alone doesn’t prove a first printing
✓ Binding: maroon cloth, spine lettered in green
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of A Theory Of Justice is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “© Copyright 1971 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College”, with no printing statement ✓ Title page: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1971 ✓ Dust jacket: green, title in dark purple, “John Rawls” in white ✓ Price: $15.00 at the top of the front flap (unclipped); the price alone doesn’t prove a first printing ✓ Binding: maroon cloth, spine lettered in… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of A Theory Of Justice worth?
- $2,015–$2,371 unsigned, up to $14,168 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 Theory Of Justice worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by John Rawls is valued at about $14,168, against $2,371 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of A Theory Of Justice?
- 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 Rawls
- Political Liberalism — John Rawls · First edition, first printing