The War of the Worlds First Edition
A first edition, first impression of The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (William Heinemann, 1898) is worth about $4,428 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “London / William Heinemann / 1898”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$4,428
Valued from 5 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $5,092 |
| Near fine | $4,428 |
| Very good | $3,763 |
| Good | $2,975 |
| Fair | $2,450 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The War of the Worlds.
✓ Title page: “London / William Heinemann / 1898”
✓ Binding: grey cloth, front board and spine lettered in black, “Heinemann” at the foot of the spine
✓ Collation: viii, 303 pp., publisher's advertisements bound in at the end
✓ Advertisements: first issue with a 16-page catalogue dated 1897 at the end (Currey's state A); later states of the same impression have 32 pages of ads or none
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The War of the Worlds is a first edition, first impression?
- ✓ Title page: “London / William Heinemann / 1898” ✓ Binding: grey cloth, front board and spine lettered in black, “Heinemann” at the foot of the spine ✓ Collation: viii, 303 pp., publisher's advertisements bound in at the end ✓ Advertisements: first issue with a 16-page catalogue dated 1897 at the end (Currey's state A); later states of the same impression have 32 pages of ads or none The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first impression of The War of the Worlds worth?
- $2,450–$5,092 unsigned, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of November 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Can I sell my copy of The War of the Worlds?
- 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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