Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
Photographic evidence of the copyright page explicitly states 'First Edition in the United States of America' and displays a full number line ending in '1' (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2), definitively confirming it as a first US edition, first printing.
Story
Published in September 2000 by Nan A. Talese / Doubleday, 'The Blind Assassin' won the Booker Prize, cementing Atwood's literary legacy. The US edition features distinct Art Deco-inspired cover art that differs from the Canadian release. The market for Margaret Atwood's first editions is highly stratified. The true Canadian first edition (McClelland & Stewart) commands the primary collector premium.
Maker / Origin
Nan A. Talese / Doubleday
Condition & Value
The exterior presents well with the original dust jacket intact, showing only minor edge wear on the bottom right corner. Shows minor edge wear, shelf bumps, and light creasing along the top and bottom edges of the dust jacket, but appears structurally sound and clean overall. Minor wear slightly softens the collectible value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for Margaret Atwood's first editions is highly stratified. The true Canadian first edition (McClelland & Stewart) commands the primary collector premium. The simultaneous US edition is widely available, meaning unsigned copies trade primarily as accessible reading or reference copies, though signed copies still see consistent demand.
▲ Definitive First US Edition, First Printing number line (1-10)
▲ Original dust jacket is present with minimal visible edge wear
▲ Booker Prize-winning title maintains steady baseline reader demand
▼ Unverified signature status — lacking a signature keeps the book in the standard retail tier rather than the collector tier
▼ Unverified dust jacket flap — a clipped price would reduce appeal for condition-sensitive buyers
Best Venue
Given the modest secondary market value for unsigned US editions, this is best suited for direct-to-consumer online platforms like eBay or AbeBooks. Price near $25 for a steady retail sale, or bundle with other Atwood first editions to increase shipping efficiency.
Upside Potential
If the title page or front endpaper reveals Margaret Atwood's signature, the value would immediately shift to the $75 range, aligning with verified signed US first editions.
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.