The Hunt for Red October
A first edition, first printing of The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy (Naval Institute Press, 1984) is worth about $782 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $864 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Copyright © 1984 by the United States Naval Institute”, ISBN 0-87021-285-0, ending with the “All the characters in this book…” paragraph — no number line or printing statement.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$782
Valued from 11 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $850 | $864 | $785 | $471 |
| Near fine | $782 | $753 | $684 | $411 |
| Very good | $665 | $655 | $595 | $357 |
| Good | $519 | $556 | $506 | $303 |
| Fair | $434 | $458 | $417 | $250 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Hunt for Red October.
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright © 1984 by the United States Naval Institute”, ISBN 0-87021-285-0, ending with the “All the characters in this book…” paragraph — no number line or printing statement
✓ Dust jacket: six review blurbs on the rear panel, Jack Higgins first and Stansfield Turner last, ISBN 0-87021-285-0 at the foot
✓ Binding: red cloth, blindstamped design on the front board, spine lettered in silver, ISBN stamped on the rear board
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Hunt for Red October is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright © 1984 by the United States Naval Institute”, ISBN 0-87021-285-0, ending with the “All the characters in this book…” paragraph — no number line or printing statement ✓ Dust jacket: six review blurbs on the rear panel, Jack Higgins first and Stansfield Turner last, ISBN 0-87021-285-0 at the foot ✓ Binding: red cloth, blindstamped design on the front board, spine lettered in silver, ISBN… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Hunt for Red October worth?
- $434–$850 unsigned, up to $864 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.
- Can I sell my copy of The Hunt for Red October?
- 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 Tom Clancy
- Clear And Present Danger — Tom Clancy · First edition, first printing · $16
- The Sum of All Fears — Tom Clancy · First edition, first printing · $15