Go Tell It on the Mountain
James Baldwin · Alfred A. Knopf, 1953 · First edition, first printing
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$8,096
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near fine | $8,096 | $25,760 | $25,760 |
| Very good | $6,882 | $21,896 | $21,896 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Go Tell It on the Mountain.
✓ Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated at the foot
✓ Title page: “1953” with the Borzoi device, “New York: Alfred A. Knopf”
✓ Dust jacket: Harlem street scene with the “Temple of the Free Baptised” sign, drawing by John O’Hara Cosgrave II
✓ Price: $3.50 on the front flap (unclipped); the price alone doesn’t prove a first
✓ Binding: brick-red cloth, the author’s signature in a gilt frame on the front board, spine lettered in gilt
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Go Tell It on the Mountain is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated at the foot ✓ Title page: “1953” with the Borzoi device, “New York: Alfred A. Knopf” ✓ Dust jacket: Harlem street scene with the “Temple of the Free Baptised” sign, drawing by John O’Hara Cosgrave II ✓ Price: $3.50 on the front flap (unclipped); the price alone doesn’t prove a first ✓ Binding: brick-red cloth, the author’s signature in a gilt frame on the front board, spine… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of Go Tell It on the Mountain worth?
- $6,882–$8,096 unsigned, up to $25,760 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 Go Tell It on the Mountain worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by James Baldwin is valued at about $25,760, against $8,096 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of Go Tell It on the Mountain?
- 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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