Following the Equator First Edition
A first edition, first printing of Following the Equator by Mark Twain (American Publishing Company, 1897) is worth about $564 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $2,973 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: Hartford, Conn.: The American Publishing Company, MDCCCXCVII (1897), with the Hartford imprint alone (preferred state).
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$564
Valued from 6 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $648 | $2,973 | $2,973 |
| Near fine | $564 | $2,585 | $2,585 |
| Very good | $478 | $2,197 | $2,197 |
| Good | $50 | — | — |
| Fair | $50 | — | — |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Following the Equator.
✓ Title page: Hartford, Conn.: The American Publishing Company, MDCCCXCVII (1897), with the Hartford imprint alone (preferred state)
✓ Frontispiece: photograph of Mark Twain with facsimile signature, behind a tissue guard
✓ Binding: blue cloth, colour elephant panel mounted on the front board, spine lettered and decorated in gilt
✓ Contents: 712 pages, illustrated throughout
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Following the Equator is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Title page: Hartford, Conn.: The American Publishing Company, MDCCCXCVII (1897), with the Hartford imprint alone (preferred state) ✓ Frontispiece: photograph of Mark Twain with facsimile signature, behind a tissue guard ✓ Binding: blue cloth, colour elephant panel mounted on the front board, spine lettered and decorated in gilt ✓ Contents: 712 pages, illustrated throughout The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of Following the Equator worth?
- $50–$648 unsigned, up to $2,973 signed, 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.
- Is a signed first edition, first printing of Following the Equator worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Mark Twain is valued at about $2,585, against $564 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of Following the Equator?
- 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.