Category: John Steinbeck

The first edition of East of Eden by John Steinbeck was published in 1952 by The Viking Press in New York.

First Edition Points:

• Published by The Viking Press
• “First published by the Viking Press in September 1952” stated on copyright page with no mention of later printings.
• Photo of Steinbeck on the rear panel of the dust jacket (later printings have reviews instead).

Some claim that “bite” on page 281, line 38 (instead of “bight”) as a first issue point but this error appears on at least the second printing and perhaps the book club edition.
The is also the Signed Limited issue of the First Edition which has the same points but with Steinbeck’s signature and limitation notice and was issued in a glassine dust jacket and slipcase.

Value:
Limited Edition:
Fine, $4500
Very Good, $2500
Trade Edition:
Fine, $2500
Very Good, $400-$600

First Editions of this book on Abebooks

References:
Goldstone, Adrian H.; Payne, John R. John Steinbeck: A Bibliographical Catalogue Of The Adrian H. Goldstone Collection. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1974.

The first edition of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck was published in 1939 by The Viking Press in New York. It was published to instant acclaim, is a Pulitzer Prize winner, and remains one of the great highspots in literature.

First Edition Points:

• Published by Viking Press
• “FIRST PUBLISHED IN APRIL 1939” on copyright page
• No mention of later printings
• Dust jacket has $2.75 price in top corner and stated first edition in bottom corner of front flap

Later printings are stated but Book Club editions do not have any printing statements.
If your copy does not mention “”FIRST PUBLISHED IN APRIL 1939” on the copyright page it is either a book club edition or a much later printing.

Value: Fine, $12,500 to $15,000, Very Good, $2000 to $3000

First Editions of this book on Abebooks

First Editions of this book on Biblio

References:
Goldstone, Adrian H.; Payne, John R. John Steinbeck: A Bibliographical Catalogue Of The Adrian H. Goldstone Collection. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1974.