East of Eden First Edition
A first edition, first printing of East of Eden by John Steinbeck (Viking Press, 1952) is worth about $3,864 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $4,830 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: "Copyright 1952 by John Steinbeck", then "First published by The Viking Press in September 1952" and "Published on the same day in the Dominion of Canada by The Macmillan Company of Canada Limited", with no further printing line below.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$3,864
Valued from 90 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $4,444 | — | — | — |
| Near fine | $3,864 | $4,830 | $4,347 | $2,898 |
| Very good | $3,284 | $4,200 | $3,780 | $2,520 |
| Good | $406 | $3,570 | $3,213 | $2,142 |
| Fair | $373 | $2,940 | $2,646 | $1,764 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of East of Eden.
✓ Copyright page: "Copyright 1952 by John Steinbeck", then "First published by The Viking Press in September 1952" and "Published on the same day in the Dominion of Canada by The Macmillan Company of Canada Limited", with no further printing line below
✓ Title page: dated 1952, above "The Viking Press · New York"
✓ Dust jacket: a full-panel photograph of Steinbeck, with his facsimile signature, on the back panel
✓ Price: $4.50 at the top right corner of the front flap (unclipped); early later printings kept it, so the price alone doesn't prove a first
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of East of Eden is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: "Copyright 1952 by John Steinbeck", then "First published by The Viking Press in September 1952" and "Published on the same day in the Dominion of Canada by The Macmillan Company of Canada Limited", with no further printing line below ✓ Title page: dated 1952, above "The Viking Press · New York" ✓ Dust jacket: a full-panel photograph of Steinbeck, with his facsimile signature, on the back panel ✓… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of East of Eden worth?
- $373–$4,444 unsigned, up to $4,830 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 East of Eden worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by John Steinbeck is valued at about $4,830, against $3,864 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of East of Eden?
- 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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