A Death in the Family
A first edition, first printing of A Death in the Family by James Agee (McDowell & Obolensky, 1957) is worth about $230 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: printed in blue, McDowell, Obolensky, New York.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$230
Valued from 2 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $264 |
| Near fine | $230 |
| Very good | $200 |
| Good | $178 |
| Fair | $146 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of A Death in the Family.
✓ Title page: printed in blue, McDowell, Obolensky, New York
✓ Page 80: the first line reads “Walking in darkness…” (the misprint for “Waking”)
✓ Dust jacket: blue, with a yellow sun over dark hills and the title in cream capitals; author photograph on the back
✓ Price: $3.95 on the front flap
✓ Binding: blue cloth, lettered in silver, green decoration on the front board
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of A Death in the Family is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Title page: printed in blue, McDowell, Obolensky, New York ✓ Page 80: the first line reads “Walking in darkness…” (the misprint for “Waking”) ✓ Dust jacket: blue, with a yellow sun over dark hills and the title in cream capitals; author photograph on the back ✓ Price: $3.95 on the front flap ✓ Binding: blue cloth, lettered in silver, green decoration on the front board The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of A Death in the Family worth?
- $146–$264 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 A Death in the Family?
- 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.