The first edition of John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row was published by Viking Press in 1945. This 208-page novel is set in Monterey, California, during the Great Depression. It draws its title from the sardine canneries on Ocean View Avenue. At Britannic Auctions, a first edition, first issue copy of Cannery Row was sold for $156 in 2020.
Cannery Row captures the life and struggles of people living along Monterey’s sardine canneries during the Great Depression. Steinbeck was inspired by Ocean View Avenue, which later became known as Cannery Row after the book's success.
The novel’s detailed depiction of the area and its characters continues to attract collectors, particularly those with an interest in Steinbeck’s works or California history.
How to Identify a First Edition of Cannery Row
To determine if a copy is a first edition, first printing of Cannery Row, consider the following points:
- Copyright Page: Look for the statement First Published by The Viking Press in January 1945 with no references to later printings.
- Binding: The first state of the first printing has light-buff (tan) cloth boards with blue top-edge staining.
- Second State Binding: The second state uses yellow cloth boards, which is considered less desirable by collectors.
- Dust Jacket: The original dust jacket features a $2.00 price on the front flap, and the back panel does not list later Steinbeck works.
Condition plays a significant role in determining the value, particularly with dust jackets, which are prone to wear and fading.
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Auction Values of First Editions
The value of a first edition Cannery Row can vary widely, depending on factors such as the dust jacket’s presence and condition, the binding state, and whether the copy is signed. Below are examples of recent sales:
- Sotheby’s (2024): A signed first edition with second state binding, inscribed by Steinbeck to a close associate and sold with its original dust jacket, fetched $38,400.
- PBA Galleries (2024): A first edition in the second state binding with a complete dust jacket sold for $225.
- National Book Auctions (2015): A first edition with a price-clipped dust jacket sold for $164.
These examples illustrate how condition, provenance, and edition details influence prices.
Selling or Buying First Editions
If you're buying or selling a first edition of Cannery Row, books with dust jackets tend to attract collectors. Britannic Auctions provides free valuations and access to collectors worldwide, ensuring that first edition books like Cannery Row reach a targeted and knowledgeable audience.
