The Snow Leopard First Edition
A first edition, first printing of The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen (Viking, 1978) is worth about $25 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $1,159 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Published in 1978 by The Viking Press”, with no printing line.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$25
Valued from 5 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $29 | $1,159 | $1,159 | $242 |
| Near fine | $25 | $1,007 | $1,007 | $210 |
| Very good | $22 | $856 | $856 | $179 |
| Good | $19 | $277 | $252 | $151 |
| Fair | $15 | $231 | $210 | $126 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Snow Leopard.
✓ Copyright page: “Published in 1978 by The Viking Press”, with no printing line
✓ Dust jacket: Himalayan valley photograph by George B. Schaller, “Peter Matthiessen” and “The Snow Leopard” in calligraphic script, title on a silver band at the foot
✓ Binding: original cloth, cartographic endpapers
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Snow Leopard is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Published in 1978 by The Viking Press”, with no printing line ✓ Dust jacket: Himalayan valley photograph by George B. Schaller, “Peter Matthiessen” and “The Snow Leopard” in calligraphic script, title on a silver band at the foot ✓ Binding: original cloth, cartographic endpapers The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Snow Leopard worth?
- $15–$29 unsigned, up to $1,159 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 Snow Leopard worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Peter Matthiessen is valued at about $1,007, against $25 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Snow Leopard?
- 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.