In Dubious Battle
A first edition, first printing of In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck (Covici-Friede, 1936) is worth about $546 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Copyright, 1936, by John Steinbeck” / “Manufactured in the United States of America”, with no printing statement.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$546
Valued from 2 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $628 |
| Near fine | $546 |
| Very good | $532 |
| Good | $532 |
| Fair | $475 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of In Dubious Battle.
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1936, by John Steinbeck” / “Manufactured in the United States of America”, with no printing statement
✓ Title page: Covici · Friede, Publishers, New York
✓ Dust jacket: orange and black, “by the author of Tortilla Flat”; rear panel with reviews of Tortilla Flat
✓ Price: $2.50 at the top of the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: yellow-orange cloth stamped in red, top edge stained red
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of In Dubious Battle is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1936, by John Steinbeck” / “Manufactured in the United States of America”, with no printing statement ✓ Title page: Covici · Friede, Publishers, New York ✓ Dust jacket: orange and black, “by the author of Tortilla Flat”; rear panel with reviews of Tortilla Flat ✓ Price: $2.50 at the top of the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: yellow-orange cloth stamped in red, top edge stained red The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of In Dubious Battle worth?
- $475–$628 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 In Dubious Battle?
- 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.
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