Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
The photographic evidence of the copyright page definitively confirms the edition and printing status. It clearly displays the 'First Edition' statement directly below a complete number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1', which is the standard and conclusive indicator for a first printing by Crown Publishers in this era. The copyright date is confirmed as 1982. The dust jacket is present, exhibiting minor edge wear.
Story
Published in 1982 by Crown Publishers, this is the second installment in Jean M. Auel's meticulously researched and highly successful prehistoric fiction series, 'Earth's Children'. The secondary market for Jean M. Auel's 'Earth's Children' series remains steady, driven by a dedicated fan base. While 'The Clan of the Cave Bear' commands the highest premiums, true first printings of 'The Valley of Horses' are also actively collected.
Maker / Origin
Crown Publishers, Inc.
Condition & Value
The seller notes minor edge wear to the dust jacket. The current valuation assumes the book is otherwise in Very Good condition, with clean, intact pages and an unclipped dust jacket. The dust jacket shows minor shelf wear and light creasing along the top edge, but remains bright and intact.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for Jean M. Auel's 'Earth's Children' series remains steady, driven by a dedicated fan base. While 'The Clan of the Cave Bear' commands the highest premiums, true first printings of 'The Valley of Horses' are also actively collected. Because print runs were relatively large, unsigned copies in average condition are common and trade modestly; pristine condition and author signatures are the primary drivers for premium pricing.
▲ Definitively confirmed First Edition, First Printing via the complete '10-1' number line
▲ Presence of the original dust jacket
▲ Enduring collector interest in the Earth's Children series
▼ Unverified dust jacket price — a clipped jacket reduces collector appeal
▼ Lack of a claimed signature keeps the value in the standard collecting tier
Best Venue
Before listing, verify if the dust jacket retains its original $15. 95 price on the front flap, and inspect the title and half-title pages for any signature. If unsigned and in Very Good condition, list on platforms like eBay or AbeBooks with clear photos of the copyright page, the front and back of the jacket, and the inner flaps.
Upside Potential
If the book is discovered to be signed or inscribed by Jean M. Auel, and the dust jacket is confirmed to be unclipped, the value shifts significantly upward into the $150–$450 range, as demonstrated by the signed comparables.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.