Overview
This is a first edition, second printing copy of James A. Michener's sweeping historical fiction novel 'Space', complete with its original dust jacket.
Identification
James A. Michener's 'Space' First Edition, c.1982
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
James A. Michener was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American author celebrated for his sweeping, multi-generational historical fiction. 'Space', published by Random House in 1982, was a major bestseller that capitalized on public interest in the post-WWII American space program. The market for late-20th-century mass-market fiction is heavily saturated. Because authors like James A. Michener were incredibly popular, their books were printed in massive quantities. Consequently, supply far outstrips demand for standard copies.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The item is described as having its original dust jacket, which is a critical baseline for modern first editions. The dust jacket shows minor edge wear and light rubbing, particularly at the corners and spine ends. The pages appear clean and the binding remains tight.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for late-20th-century mass-market fiction is heavily saturated. Because authors like James A. Michener were incredibly popular, their books were printed in massive quantities. Consequently, supply far outstrips demand for standard copies. Buyers are typically casual readers or completists looking to fill gaps in their libraries, and they heavily favor clean copies with intact dust jackets priced under $20.
Value Drivers
▲ Presence of the original dust jacket, which is essential for retaining any collector interest.
▲ First edition status, which holds slight appeal over later book club editions.
Concerns
▼ Second printing status limits appeal, as serious collectors strictly seek true first printings.
▼ Massive original print runs mean high secondary market supply, keeping a firm ceiling on prices.
▼ Unverified dust jacket condition — a price-clipped flap or edge tears would drop the value to a standard reading copy ($5-$8).
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Amazon as a used book with a Buy-It-Now price of $15 to $20. To maximize appeal, ensure the listing includes clear photos of the copyright page (to verify the printing) and the front, back, and flaps of the dust jacket. Alternatively, bundle it with other Michener hardcovers to save on shipping and attract bulk buyers.
Upside Potential
If the book is discovered to be flat-signed or inscribed by James A. Michener, the value would shift upward into the $75-$150 range depending on the nature of the inscription. Without a signature, the $25 high-end is a firm ceiling for a second printing.