Identification

The Overstory by Richard Powers, First Edition (Later Printing)

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a hardcover copy of Richard Powers' monumental eco-epic 'The Overstory', which won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The book is structured like a tree, with sections for Roots, Trunk, Crown, and Seeds, weaving together the lives of nine characters and their deep connections to trees.

Story

Published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2018, 'The Overstory' won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The presence of the printed Pulitzer seal on the dust jacket and the number line ending in '2 0' confirms this is a second printing, produced after the award announcement. The secondary market for modern Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction is highly stratified. True first printings command significant premiums, while later printings quickly settle into a more accessible price bracket as reading copies or minor collector alternatives.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Value in modern first editions is highly dependent on the condition of the dust jacket and binding. Assuming standard secondhand wear unless otherwise noted, crisp edges, clean pages, and an unclipped dust jacket will support the higher end of the range.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for modern Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction is highly stratified. True first printings command significant premiums, while later printings quickly settle into a more accessible price bracket as reading copies or minor collector alternatives. Demand for this specific title remains steady due to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

Value Drivers

Pulitzer Prize-winning title maintains strong baseline demand for reading copies.

Hardcover format with original dust jacket is preferred over paperback editions.

Concerns

Later printing status (2nd print) removes the premium associated with true first editions.

Unverified dust jacket condition — edge wear or price clipping would limit the value to the $15 floor.

Best Venue

List on a broad marketplace like eBay or Amazon. Price competitively around $18-$20 for a steady sale, or list closer to $35 if the dust jacket and binding are in pristine, unread condition.

Upside Potential

If the book is signed by Richard Powers, the value would significantly exceed the current high estimate, likely shifting into the $75-$100+ range even for a later printing.

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps

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.

  • Laureate Fine Books
    The Overstory | Richard Powers | Second Printing
    Link could not be verified.
    $28
  • Lemuria Books
    The Overstory by Richard Powers
    Link could not be verified.
    $19