The Lonely Crowd First Edition
A first edition, first printing of The Lonely Crowd by David Riesman (Yale University Press, 1950) is worth about $874 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $6,517 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Dust jacket: dark green, “DAVID RIESMAN” in yellow capitals at the top, title in large cream italic capitals.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$874
Valued from 2 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $1,005 | $6,517 | $6,517 |
| Near fine | $874 | $5,667 | $5,667 |
| Very good | $743 | $4,816 | $4,816 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Lonely Crowd.
✓ Dust jacket: dark green, “DAVID RIESMAN” in yellow capitals at the top, title in large cream italic capitals
✓ Title page: “The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character, by David Riesman in collaboration with Reuel Denney and Nathan Glazer, New Haven, Yale University Press, 1950”
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1950, by Yale University Press” and “Printed in the United States of America”, with no printing line below
✓ Binding: dark green cloth, maroon spine label lettered in gold (“The Lonely Crowd / Riesman / Studies in National Policy”), “YALE” at the foot of the spine
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Lonely Crowd is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Dust jacket: dark green, “DAVID RIESMAN” in yellow capitals at the top, title in large cream italic capitals ✓ Title page: “The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character, by David Riesman in collaboration with Reuel Denney and Nathan Glazer, New Haven, Yale University Press, 1950” ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1950, by Yale University Press” and “Printed in the United States of America”, with no… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Lonely Crowd worth?
- $743–$1,005 unsigned, up to $6,517 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 Lonely Crowd worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by David Riesman is valued at about $5,667, against $874 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Lonely Crowd?
- 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.