The Well of Loneliness
A first edition, first impression of The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall (Jonathan Cape, 1928) is worth about $6,987 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “First published 1928”, no further impression listed.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$6,987
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Near fine | $6,987 |
| Very good | $5,939 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Well of Loneliness.
✓ Copyright page: “First published 1928”, no further impression listed
✓ Text: “whip” (not “whips”) on page 50, line 13
✓ Dust jacket: cream typographic jacket, “With an Appreciation by Havelock Ellis”
✓ Price: 15s. net (15 shillings) on the front flap (unclipped); the second impression used the same jacket, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first
✓ Binding: black cloth, spine lettered in gilt, top edge stained black
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Well of Loneliness is a first edition, first impression?
- ✓ Copyright page: “First published 1928”, no further impression listed ✓ Text: “whip” (not “whips”) on page 50, line 13 ✓ Dust jacket: cream typographic jacket, “With an Appreciation by Havelock Ellis” ✓ Price: 15s. net (15 shillings) on the front flap (unclipped); the second impression used the same jacket, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first ✓ Binding: black cloth, spine lettered in gilt, top edge stained… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first impression of The Well of Loneliness worth?
- $5,939–$6,987 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 Well of Loneliness?
- 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.