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.
I have what I believe is a 1st ed. East of Eden by John Steinbeck the issue I am having is it only says copyright 1952 by John Steinbeck at the top and printed in the United States of America at the bottom of the page. On the previous page it says Viking Press’ any help appreciated thanks Troy
Troy: It is a later printing, but probably still from the 1950’s. It could even be a book club edition. But definitely not a first edition.