Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a true US first edition, first printing of Salman Rushdie's sixth novel, featuring a striking holographic dust jacket design. Most importantly, the half-title page features a hand-signed, personalized inscription by the Booker Prize-winning author himself.
Story
Salman Rushdie is a Booker Prize-winning author, internationally renowned for his contributions to contemporary literature and magical realism. 'The Ground Beneath Her Feet', his sixth novel, was published in 1999 by Henry Holt and Company in the US. The US first edition is notable for its distinctive holographic dust jacket. The market for modern first editions by prominent authors like Salman Rushdie is steady but highly saturated.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The valuation assumes the book and dust jacket are in Very Good to Fine condition based on the seller's description of it being a true first printing. The presence of the original holographic dust jacket is crucial for maintaining value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for modern first editions by prominent authors like Salman Rushdie is steady but highly saturated. Because Rushdie has signed books frequently throughout his career, his post-1990 signed first editions are relatively common. Buyers are typically collectors looking for pristine condition and flat signatures; personalized inscriptions often narrow the buyer pool and keep prices modest.
▲ Confirmed first edition, first printing with complete number line ending in '1'
▲ Hand-signed by Booker Prize-winning author Salman Rushdie
▲ Original holographic dust jacket is present
▼ Personalized inscription typically lowers collector demand compared to a flat signature
▼ High availability of signed modern Rushdie first editions limits the price ceiling
▼ Unverified physical condition of the dust jacket edges and page block (any toning or tears would reduce value)
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or AbeBooks. Price competitively around $50-$60 to attract buyers, ensuring you provide clear photos of the signature, the copyright page's number line, and the holographic dust jacket. If a fast sale is preferred, pricing closer to $35-$40 will move the inventory quicker.
Upside Potential
If the personalized inscription is addressed to a notable figure or someone associated with the author (an association copy) rather than a general reader, the value could shift significantly higher into the $150-$300 range.
Authenticity Risk
mediumAutographed modern first editions carry a baseline risk of forgery, particularly for famous authors. While Rushdie's signature is relatively common (reducing the financial incentive for high-effort forgeries), buyers still look for signature consistency. Notably, the personalized inscription actually adds a layer of authenticity, as forgers typically prefer flat signatures to maximize resale value.
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.