The Left Hand of Darkness First Edition
A first hardcover edition, first printing of The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin (Walker and Company, 1969) is worth about $1,063 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $16,068 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “Walker and Company, New York” imprint, title set in serif type.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$1,063
Valued from 2 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $1,222 | $16,068 | $16,068 | $1,932 |
| Near fine | $1,063 | $13,973 | $13,973 | $1,680 |
| Very good | $904 | $11,877 | $11,877 | $1,428 |
| Good | — | $2,016 | $1,814 | $1,210 |
| Fair | — | $1,680 | $1,512 | $1,008 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Left Hand of Darkness.
✓ Title page: “Walker and Company, New York” imprint, title set in serif type
✓ Copyright page: “Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 72-86391”
✓ Price: $4.95 at the top of the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: grey (slate) cloth boards, blue top stain
✓ Dust jacket: illustration by Jack Gaughan, design by Lena Fong Lueg
✓ Pages: 286 pp.
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Left Hand of Darkness is a first hardcover edition, first printing?
- ✓ Title page: “Walker and Company, New York” imprint, title set in serif type ✓ Copyright page: “Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 72-86391” ✓ Price: $4.95 at the top of the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: grey (slate) cloth boards, blue top stain ✓ Dust jacket: illustration by Jack Gaughan, design by Lena Fong Lueg ✓ Pages: 286 pp. The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first hardcover edition, first printing of The Left Hand of Darkness worth?
- $904–$1,222 unsigned, up to $16,068 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 hardcover edition, first printing of The Left Hand of Darkness worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Ursula K. Le Guin is valued at about $13,973, against $1,063 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Left Hand of Darkness?
- 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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