The Grapes Of Wrath First Edition
A first edition, first printing of The Grapes Of Wrath by John Steinbeck (The Viking Press, 1939) is worth about $9,200 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $23,144 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “First published in April 1939”, with no later printing stated.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$9,200
Valued from 17 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $10,580 | $23,144 | $23,144 |
| Near fine | $9,200 | $20,125 | $20,125 |
| Very good | $7,820 | $17,107 | $17,107 |
| Good | $2,312 | — | — |
| Fair | $1,976 | — | — |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Grapes Of Wrath.
✓ Copyright page: “First published in April 1939”, with no later printing stated
✓ Dust jacket: design by Elmer Hader; “First Edition” notice on the front flap
✓ Price: $2.75 on the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: beige/oatmeal cloth with brown pictorial stamping, pictorial endpapers
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Grapes Of Wrath is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “First published in April 1939”, with no later printing stated ✓ Dust jacket: design by Elmer Hader; “First Edition” notice on the front flap ✓ Price: $2.75 on the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: beige/oatmeal cloth with brown pictorial stamping, pictorial endpapers The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Grapes Of Wrath worth?
- $1,976–$10,580 unsigned, up to $23,144 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 Grapes Of Wrath worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by John Steinbeck is valued at about $20,125, against $9,200 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Grapes Of Wrath?
- 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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