On the Road

Jack Kerouac · Viking Press, 1957 · First edition, first printing

A first edition, first printing of On the Road by Jack Kerouac (Viking Press, 1957) is worth about $7,266 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Published in 1957 by the Viking Press, Inc.”, with no later printing stated.

Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$7,266

Valued from 3 recorded sales in the last 12 months.

What a copy is worth

How to identify this edition

These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of On the Road.

Common questions

How do I know if my copy of On the Road is a first edition, first printing?

✓ Copyright page: “Published in 1957 by the Viking Press, Inc.”, with no later printing stated ✓ Title page: “The Viking Press · 1957” ✓ Binding: black cloth, spine and front board lettered in white, top edge stained red ✓ Dust jacket: design by Bill English; rear panel with the “From On the Road” excerpt over red and blue bands ✓ Price: $3.95 at the top of the front flap (unclipped) The identification points above show each one.

How much is a first edition, first printing of On the Road worth?

$341–$8,356 unsigned, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of October 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.

Can I sell my copy of On the Road?

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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