Tortilla Flat
A first edition, first printing of Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck (Covici-Friede, 1935) is worth about $4,637 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $11,270 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Copyright, 1935, by John Steinbeck” with no printing line below it.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$4,637
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near fine | $4,637 | $11,270 | $11,270 |
| Very good | $3,942 | $9,580 | $9,580 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Tortilla Flat.
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1935, by John Steinbeck” with no printing line below it
✓ Title page: Covici · Friede · Publishers · New York, illustrated by Ruth Gannett
✓ Binding: tan cloth lettered in blue, top edge stained blue
✓ Dust jacket: Ruth Gannett design, author biography on the rear flap
✓ Price: $2.50 on the front flap (unclipped); later printings kept it, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Tortilla Flat is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1935, by John Steinbeck” with no printing line below it ✓ Title page: Covici · Friede · Publishers · New York, illustrated by Ruth Gannett ✓ Binding: tan cloth lettered in blue, top edge stained blue ✓ Dust jacket: Ruth Gannett design, author biography on the rear flap ✓ Price: $2.50 on the front flap (unclipped); later printings kept it, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of Tortilla Flat worth?
- $3,942–$4,637 unsigned, up to $11,270 signed, 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.
- Is a signed first edition, first printing of Tortilla Flat worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by John Steinbeck is valued at about $11,270, against $4,637 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of Tortilla Flat?
- 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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