Overview
This is a first edition, first printing copy of 'The Plains of Passage', the fourth book in Jean M. Auel's wildly popular 'Earth's Children' historical fiction series.
Identification
The Plains of Passage by Jean M. Auel, First Edition, 1990
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Published by Crown Publishers in 1990, this is the fourth installment in Jean M. Auel's wildly successful 'Earth's Children' series. Due to the immense popularity of the preceding books, this first edition had a massive initial print run, which inherently limits its rarity. The secondary market for late-20th-century mass-market fiction is highly saturated. Buyers are typically casual readers or series completists rather than high-end antiquarian collectors.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller notes a vibrant, original dust jacket, which is critical for retaining value in modern first editions. Assuming standard preservation with crisp pages and no major tears, the condition supports the mid-to-high end of the estimate.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for late-20th-century mass-market fiction is highly saturated. Buyers are typically casual readers or series completists rather than high-end antiquarian collectors. Inventory moves slowly unless priced competitively at the market floor or bundled as a complete series.
Value Drivers
▲ First edition, first printing status with original dust jacket anchors the baseline.
▲ Vibrant dust jacket condition supports the upper half of the resale range.
Concerns
▼ Massive original print run heavily caps collectible upside.
Best Venue
List on broad secondary marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon Used. Price at $15 for a faster sale, or consider bundling with other books in the 'Earth's Children' series to increase buyer appeal and offset shipping costs.
Upside Potential
If the book features a verified signature or inscription by author Jean M. Auel, the value range shifts upward to the $50-$75 tier.