Why England Slept First Edition
A first edition, first printing of Why England Slept by John F. Kennedy (Wilfred Funk, 1940) is worth about $1,661 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $22,356 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Copyright 1940 by Wilfred Funk, Inc.” as the only statement above the manufacturing note, no printing line.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$1,661
Valued from 4 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near fine | $1,661 | $22,356 | $22,356 |
| Very good | $1,412 | $19,003 | $19,003 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Why England Slept.
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1940 by Wilfred Funk, Inc.” as the only statement above the manufacturing note, no printing line
✓ Title page: “New York · 1940 / Wilfred Funk, Inc.”
✓ Dust jacket: Union Jack and sleeping lion, “Introduction by Henry R. Luce” on the front
✓ Price: $2.00 at the foot of the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: red cloth, sleeping lion stamped on the front board, blue spine label
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Why England Slept is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1940 by Wilfred Funk, Inc.” as the only statement above the manufacturing note, no printing line ✓ Title page: “New York · 1940 / Wilfred Funk, Inc.” ✓ Dust jacket: Union Jack and sleeping lion, “Introduction by Henry R. Luce” on the front ✓ Price: $2.00 at the foot of the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: red cloth, sleeping lion stamped on the front board, blue spine label The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of Why England Slept worth?
- $1,412–$1,661 unsigned, up to $22,356 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 Why England Slept worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by John F. Kennedy is valued at about $22,356, against $1,661 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of Why England Slept?
- 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.
More by John F. Kennedy
- The Strategy of Peace — John F. Kennedy · First edition, first printing · $24