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Identification

Betty Friedan Signed First Edition: It Changed My Life

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

The copyright page explicitly states 'FIRST EDITION' and features a number line ending in '2' (2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3), which is the standard indicator for a true first printing by Random House during this era.

Story

Published in 1976 by Random House, this book compiles Friedan's writings and speeches during the height of the modern women's movement. The inscription to 'Eileen' provides a personal touch, though without further provenance, it is currently treated as a standard inscribed copy rather than a historically significant association copy. The market for second-wave feminist literature remains steady, with Betty Friedan being a cornerstone author.

Maker / Origin

Betty Friedan (Author) / Random House (Publisher)

Condition & Value

The book is confirmed as a true first edition, first printing. The primary condition issue affecting value is the noticeable foxing and spotting on the front panel of the dust jacket. The dust jacket shows moderate shelf wear, minor edge creasing, and noticeable staining/soiling on the lower right front cover.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

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

Market Analysis

The market for second-wave feminist literature remains steady, with Betty Friedan being a cornerstone author. While her seminal work 'The Feminine Mystique' commands significant premiums, later works like 'It Changed My Life' are more accessible. Signed copies carry a modest but reliable premium, primarily appealing to institutional archives, gender studies scholars, and dedicated collectors of women's history.

Value Drivers

▲ True first edition, first printing confirmed by the Random House number line ending in '2'.

▲ Authentic hand-signed inscription by the author on the front free endpaper.

▲ Original dust jacket is present, which is essential for modern first edition collectibility.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dust jacket flap — a price-clipped jacket would reduce collector appeal and value.

▼ Visible foxing/spotting on the dust jacket front panel caps the condition grade below Near Fine.

Best Venue

List on a specialized antiquarian platform like AbeBooks or through a well-curated eBay listing. Highlight the first printing number line and the signature clearly in the primary photos. Placing the dust jacket in an archival Mylar cover before photographing will improve presentation and protect it from further wear.

Upside Potential

If 'Eileen' can be definitively linked to a notable figure in the women's movement (e. g., a fellow activist or prominent contemporary), the book elevates to a significant association copy, potentially pushing its value into the $250-$350 range.

Authenticity Risk

medium

Autographed books inherently carry forgery risk. While Friedan's signature is not among the most heavily forged (unlike Hemingway or Fitzgerald), the premium attached to signed copies warrants basic verification. The casual, warm inscription is generally consistent with authentic author signings of the era, but authentication of the signature against known exemplars is recommended for high-end retail.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 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.

  • Peter Austern & Co. Books & Ephemera
    The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan | Hardcover | 1963 | W. W. Norton & Co.
    Different book by the same author (The Feminine Mystique).
    $1,250
  • Burnside Rare Books
    The Feminine Mystique | Betty Friedan | Tenth Anniversary Edition
    Different book by the same author (The Feminine Mystique).
    $1,250
  • Forbes / New York Antiquarian Book Fair· 2019-03-12
    The Feminine Mystique (Eighth Printing, Inscribed)
    Different book by the same author (The Feminine Mystique).
    $400
  • Raptis Rare Books
    First Edition of Betty Friedan's It Changed My Life; Inscribed by Her with a Full Page Inscription
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price