Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a hardcover copy of Salman Rushdie's highly controversial masterpiece, 'The Satanic Verses'. Published in 1989, this volume represents the First American Edition, specifically identified as a second printing by the number line on the copyright page.
Story
Published in 1989 by Viking Penguin Inc., this novel became the center of a major international controversy, leading to a fatwa against the author. The First American Edition followed the UK release and went through multiple rapid printings due to intense public interest and news coverage. The secondary market for Salman Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses' remains active due to its historical and cultural significance. True first editions (first printings) command a premium, often exceeding $100-$200 depending on condition.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Value in modern first editions is highly sensitive to the condition of the dust jacket (unclipped, no tears) and the binding. Assuming standard secondhand condition without major defects, the book sits comfortably in the estimated range. Any foxing, remainder marks, or jacket wear will push the value toward the lower end.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for Salman Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses' remains active due to its historical and cultural significance. True first editions (first printings) command a premium, often exceeding $100-$200 depending on condition. However, early subsequent printings (like the second) are treated as reading copies or accessible collectibles, trading steadily in the $30-$60 range on platforms like eBay and AbeBooks.
▲ Identified as an early (second) printing of a historically significant and highly sought-after title.
▲ Hardcover format with original dust jacket (assumed present) maintains baseline collector interest.
▼ Not a true first printing; lacks the premium associated with the '1' in the number line.
▼ Unverified dust jacket condition; tears, clipping, or heavy wear would drop value to reading-copy levels ($15-$20).
Best Venue
List on a broad marketplace like eBay or AbeBooks. A Buy-It-Now price of $50 with best offer enabled is a practical approach for a steady sale. Ensure clear photos of the copyright page (showing the number line) and the dust jacket are included to reassure buyers of the printing state.
Upside Potential
If the book is in pristine, unread condition with a flawless, unclipped dust jacket, it could reach the high end of the range ($60+). A true first printing (number line down to 1) would be required to push the value into the $100+ tier.
Also found — market-range context
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.