Futility
A first edition, first printing of Futility by Morgan Robertson (M. F. Mansfield, 1898) is worth about $5,060 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “New York: M. F. Mansfield, 22 East Sixteenth Street”, author named as “Author of Spun-Yarn”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$5,060
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Near fine | $5,060 |
| Very good | $4,301 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Futility.
✓ Title page: “New York: M. F. Mansfield, 22 East Sixteenth Street”, author named as “Author of Spun-Yarn”
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1898 by M. F. Mansfield” only
✓ Binding: orange cloth, front stamped with “FUTILITY” in red over a ship striking an iceberg
✓ Collation: [iv], 145 pages
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Futility is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Title page: “New York: M. F. Mansfield, 22 East Sixteenth Street”, author named as “Author of Spun-Yarn” ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1898 by M. F. Mansfield” only ✓ Binding: orange cloth, front stamped with “FUTILITY” in red over a ship striking an iceberg ✓ Collation: [iv], 145 pages The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of Futility worth?
- $4,301–$5,060 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 Futility?
- 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.