The Dharma Bums First Edition
A first US edition, first printing of The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac (Viking Press, 1958) is worth about $966 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: The Viking Press, New York, 1958.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$966
Valued from 7 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Near fine | $966 |
| Very good | $821 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Dharma Bums.
✓ Title page: The Viking Press, New York, 1958
✓ Copyright page: “Published in 1958 by The Viking Press, Inc.”, with no subsequent printing or later edition stated; the complete page must be checked
✓ Binding: black cloth, title in green on the front, with blue, green and silver lettering on the spine
✓ Dust jacket: black, with Bill English’s blue and green mountain-climbers illustration and Keith Jennison’s portrait of Kerouac on the back
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Dharma Bums is a first US edition, first printing?
- ✓ Title page: The Viking Press, New York, 1958 ✓ Copyright page: “Published in 1958 by The Viking Press, Inc.”, with no subsequent printing or later edition stated; the complete page must be checked ✓ Binding: black cloth, title in green on the front, with blue, green and silver lettering on the spine ✓ Dust jacket: black, with Bill English’s blue and green mountain-climbers illustration and Keith Jennison’s portrait… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first US edition, first printing of The Dharma Bums worth?
- $821–$966 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 Dharma Bums?
- 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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