In 2020, Britannic Auctions sold a signed first edition of Pearl S. Buck's Yu Lan, Flying Boy of China for $350. This book, featuring a Pearl S. Buck signature but lacking its dust jacket, was signed and inscribed to a close friend. Published in 1945, the family of this friend consigned it directly to our auctions.
This copy of Yu Lan was one of several signed first editions consigned to Britannic Auctions by a family with a personal connection to Pearl S. Buck. The consignment included multiple works, all featuring a Pearl S. Buck signature and inscriptions, reflecting her practice of personalizing books for friends.
Market Values of Pearl S. Buck Signature Copies
Books by Pearl S. Buck, especially signed first editions, are popular among collectors. Pearl S. Buck signature copies, depending on the title and condition, fetch varying prices at auction. Key auction results include:
"The Good Earth" (1931): A presentational copy of this novel, complete with an additional letter discussing her work and the original dust jacket, sold at Christie's for $10,625 in 2021. Unsigned first editions in facsimile dust jackets typically sell for a few hundred dollars.
"Yu Lan, Flying Boy of China" (1945): Signed first editions of this less collected work sometimes sell for as little as $20 at auction. However, signed and inscribed editions, like the one sold by Britannic Auctions, often sell for $300 to $600.
Get a Free Valuation for a First Edition Book
Do you own a Pearl S. Buck signature, signed first editions, or other rare books by Pearl S. Buck? Britannic Auctions offers free evaluations for rare books. Visit our consignment page to learn how we can help you assess the value of your collection. Request a free auction estimate today to find out what your items could be worth.
