Madeline First Edition
A first edition, first issue of Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans (Simon & Schuster, 1939) is worth about $4,920 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $11,572 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “Simon and Schuster · New York” with the date “1939” below the imprint.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$4,920
Valued from 5 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $5,658 | $11,572 | $11,572 |
| Near fine | $4,920 | $10,063 | $10,063 |
| Very good | $4,181 | $8,554 | $8,554 |
| Good | $465 | — | — |
| Fair | $439 | — | — |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Madeline.
✓ Title page: “Simon and Schuster · New York” with the date “1939” below the imprint
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1939, by Ludwig Bemelmans · Published by Simon and Schuster, Inc. · 386 Fourth Avenue, New York”, no renewal notice
✓ Price: $2.00 at the foot of the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: thin folio, yellow pictorial boards with a small Madeline on the rear, Paris endpapers
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Madeline is a first edition, first issue?
- ✓ Title page: “Simon and Schuster · New York” with the date “1939” below the imprint ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1939, by Ludwig Bemelmans · Published by Simon and Schuster, Inc. · 386 Fourth Avenue, New York”, no renewal notice ✓ Price: $2.00 at the foot of the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: thin folio, yellow pictorial boards with a small Madeline on the rear, Paris endpapers The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first issue of Madeline worth?
- $439–$5,658 unsigned, up to $11,572 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 issue of Madeline worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Ludwig Bemelmans is valued at about $10,063, against $4,920 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of Madeline?
- 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.