The Way To Cook First Edition
A first edition, first printing of The Way To Cook by Julia Child (Alfred A. Knopf, 1989) is worth about $15 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $794 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “First Edition” stated at the foot, below “Manufactured in the United States of America”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$15
Valued from 9 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $17 | $794 | $788 | $476 |
| Near fine | $15 | $690 | $685 | $414 |
| Very good | $13 | $600 | $582 | $360 |
| Good | $13 | $510 | $220 | $306 |
| Fair | $10 | $420 | $220 | $252 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Way To Cook.
✓ Copyright page: “First Edition” stated at the foot, below “Manufactured in the United States of America”
✓ Publisher: “A Borzoi Book, published by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.”, Knopf logo on the spine
✓ Dust jacket: white jacket, red “JULIA CHILD” and large black title, kitchen photograph at the right, copper band at head and foot (design by Carol Devine Carson)
✓ Price: $50.00 on the front flap (unclipped); the price alone does not prove a first
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Way To Cook is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “First Edition” stated at the foot, below “Manufactured in the United States of America” ✓ Publisher: “A Borzoi Book, published by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.”, Knopf logo on the spine ✓ Dust jacket: white jacket, red “JULIA CHILD” and large black title, kitchen photograph at the right, copper band at head and foot (design by Carol Devine Carson) ✓ Price: $50.00 on the front flap (unclipped); the price… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Way To Cook worth?
- $10–$17 unsigned, up to $794 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 The Way To Cook worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Julia Child is valued at about $690, against $15 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Way To Cook?
- 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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