Overview
This is a hardcover first edition copy of Annie Proulx's 2002 novel set in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. The copyright page displays a full number line ('1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2'), indicating a true Scribner first printing.
Identification
'That Old Ace in the Hole' by Annie Proulx, First Edition Hardcover (2002)
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Annie Proulx is a highly regarded, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning American author. 'That Old Ace in the Hole' was published by Scribner in 2002. As a modern mass-market hardcover, it holds no unique historical provenance beyond its status as a true first printing. The secondary market for early 2000s modern first editions by major authors is heavily saturated. Because publishers anticipated high demand following Proulx's earlier successes, the initial print run for 'That Old Ace in the Hole' was massive.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller notes the book is a first edition but does not specify the condition of the dust jacket or the page block. In the modern first edition market, value is highly dependent on the dust jacket being unclipped and free of edge wear, and the pages being crisp and free of remainder marks.
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 early 2000s modern first editions by major authors is heavily saturated. Because publishers anticipated high demand following Proulx's earlier successes, the initial print run for 'That Old Ace in the Hole' was massive. Consequently, supply far outstrips demand, keeping turnover slow and prices modest for unsigned copies.
Value Drivers
▲ Confirmed first edition, first printing via the full '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2' number line.
▲ Hardcover format, which is preferred by collectors over later paperback editions.
▲ Author is a recognized, award-winning literary figure with a dedicated readership.
Concerns
▼ Massive initial print run severely limits scarcity and collector premium.
▼ Unverified dust jacket condition; tears, price-clipping, or scuffs would push value toward the $6 floor.
▼ Lack of an author signature removes the primary catalyst for higher collector valuations.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondhand marketplace like eBay or Amazon as a used book. Price around $15-$20 for a reasonable chance of sale, or consider bundling it with other Annie Proulx titles to increase buyer appeal and offset shipping costs. Ensure listing photos clearly show the copyright page's number line and the edges of the dust jacket.
Upside Potential
If the book is discovered to be flat-signed by Annie Proulx on the title page, the value would shift upward into the $50-$75 range. For an unsigned copy, there is no realistic upside above the stated $30 high.