The Mandarins First Edition
A first edition, first printing of The Mandarins by Simone de Beauvoir (World Publishing, 1956) is worth about $16 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $1,804 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated, above “Copyright © 1956 by The World Publishing Company”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$16
Valued from 3 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $19 | $1,804 | $1,804 |
| Near fine | $16 | $1,569 | $1,569 |
| Very good | $14 | $1,334 | $1,334 |
| Good | $14 | — | — |
| Fair | $11 | — | — |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Mandarins.
✓ Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated, above “Copyright © 1956 by The World Publishing Company”
✓ Title page: The World Publishing Company, Cleveland and New York; translated by Leonard M. Friedman
✓ Dust jacket: pictorial design by Laszlo Matulay, “the Prix Goncourt novel” on the front panel
✓ Binding: dark blue cloth, author’s signature stamped in red on the front board, red spine label lettered in gilt
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Mandarins is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated, above “Copyright © 1956 by The World Publishing Company” ✓ Title page: The World Publishing Company, Cleveland and New York; translated by Leonard M. Friedman ✓ Dust jacket: pictorial design by Laszlo Matulay, “the Prix Goncourt novel” on the front panel ✓ Binding: dark blue cloth, author’s signature stamped in red on the front board, red spine label lettered in gilt The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Mandarins worth?
- $11–$19 unsigned, up to $1,804 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 Mandarins worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Simone de Beauvoir is valued at about $1,569, against $16 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Mandarins?
- 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.
More by Simone de Beauvoir
- The Second Sex — Simone de Beauvoir · First American edition, first printing