The Trial
A first American edition, first printing of The Trial by Franz Kafka (Alfred A. Knopf, 1937) is worth about $4,745 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “First American Edition” stated, with “Copyright 1937 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.”
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$4,745
Valued from 2 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $1,055 |
| Near fine | $4,745 |
| Very good | $4,034 |
| Good | $799 |
| Fair | $799 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Trial.
✓ Copyright page: “First American Edition” stated, with “Copyright 1937 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.”
✓ Dust jacket: courtroom design by Georg Salter
✓ Price: $2.50 on the front flap (unclipped); later printings reused the jacket, so the price alone doesn't prove a first
✓ Binding: rust cloth stamped in blue and black, blue top edge
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Trial is a first American edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “First American Edition” stated, with “Copyright 1937 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.” ✓ Dust jacket: courtroom design by Georg Salter ✓ Price: $2.50 on the front flap (unclipped); later printings reused the jacket, so the price alone doesn't prove a first ✓ Binding: rust cloth stamped in blue and black, blue top edge The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first American edition, first printing of The Trial worth?
- $799–$4,745 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 Trial?
- 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.