Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a crisp first American edition of Margaret Atwood's satirical dystopian novel 'The Heart Goes Last', published in 2015. The copyright page displays the full number line ending in '1', confirming its status as a highly collectible first printing.
Story
Margaret Atwood is a Booker Prize-winning Canadian author, widely celebrated for her speculative fiction and dystopian narratives. 'The Heart Goes Last' was published in the US by Nan A. Talese / Doubleday in 2015. The striking color-blocked dust jacket design by David Mann is a recognizable feature of this US first edition. Modern first editions by major authors like Margaret Atwood are actively collected, but recent publications (post-2000) typically have massive initial print runs.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller describes the book as 'crisp,' suggesting Near Fine to Fine condition for both the book and the dust jacket. For modern first editions, condition is paramount; any bumping to the corners, remainder marks on the page edges, or shelf wear to the dust jacket would significantly reduce its collectibility and push it into the reading-copy tier. The dust jacket shows minor shelf wear and slight creasing along the top edge, but remains bright and intact. The internal pages appear clean, bright, and free of markings. Excellent overall preservation.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Modern first editions by major authors like Margaret Atwood are actively collected, but recent publications (post-2000) typically have massive initial print runs. Consequently, unsigned copies rarely appreciate significantly above their original retail price. The secondary market for this specific 2015 title is saturated with unsigned copies; premium values are strictly reserved for signed copies, limited editions, or association copies.
▲ Confirmed first American edition, first printing (number line ending in '1')
▲ Described 'crisp' condition appeals to condition-sensitive modern first collectors
▲ Margaret Atwood's enduring popularity and dedicated collector base
▼ Unsigned status caps the value significantly compared to signed copies
▼ Large 2015 print run means supply is abundant on the secondary market
▼ Unverified condition — hidden flaws like remainder marks or clipped price corners would drop the value
Best Venue
List on dedicated book marketplaces like AbeBooks, Alibris, or eBay with a competitive asking price of $25. Ensure clear photographs of the copyright page (showing the number line) and the unclipped dust jacket are included in the listing. Given the modest value of an unsigned copy, consider bundling it with other Atwood first editions if available to attract dedicated collectors and optimize shipping costs.
Upside Potential
If the book is actually signed by Margaret Atwood on the title page (a detail occasionally omitted by sellers), the value would immediately shift into the $45–$75 range seen in the signed comparables.