A Lesson in Irony: Depression Era Classic Sells for $47,800

First edition of “Grapes of Wrath” sells for $47,800
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – A rare edition of “The Grapes of Wrath,” John Steinbeck’s epic 1939 tale of Depression-era poverty, sold at auction for $47,800.

A number of other first-edition copies of Steinbeck works were sold Sunday at an auction held by Bonhams & Butterfields. A copy of “Of Mice and Men” sold for $7,768, “East of Eden” for $8,365 and “In Dubious Battle” for $11,353.

The books were owned by the author’s sister, Elizabeth Steinbeck Ainsworth, who died in 1992. The Steinbeck family chose to sell the books to finance renovation of a Pacific Grove, Calif., bungalow where Steinbeck wrote some of his books, said Catherine Williamson, director of fine books and manuscripts for Bonhams.

The collection sold for more than $200,000.

Five of the Steinbeck titles were bought by Jim Dourgarian, a Bay Area antiquarian bookseller who specializes in Steinbeck’s work. His purchases included “Cup of Gold,” which he called a relative bargain at $21,510.

“The fact that this was probably the last close family copy that is not in an institution made it highly desirable,” Dourgarian said. He said it also is valuable because Steinbeck inscribed it, and it is wrapped in a brightly colored dust jacket showing a buccaneer.

Bonhams believes the $47,800 price for the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Grapes of Wrath” is the world record for an at-auction sale for a Steinbeck novel, Williamson said.

I’ve always loved this book and have always felt inspired to collect antique books.

Spread the love

More Articles for You

How DNA, Haplogroups, and Genetic Markers Reveal Taíno Heritage

The Genetic Echoes of the Taíno People The Taíno people, the first known inhabitants of the Caribbean, have long been …

Spread the love

Unearthing the Invisible in Ben Brisbois’ Banana Capital: Unpeeling the Layers of Capitalism and Racism

The banana. Simple, ubiquitous, and unassuming. Yet, as Ben Brisbois reveals in his forthcoming Banana Capital, it’s anything but ordinary. …

Spread the love

Ditching The Algorithm: Why I Joined Bluesky (And You Should Too)

For years, social media has been both a megaphone and an equalizer, a place where anyone can share art, advocate …

Spread the love

Latina/o Bloggers, Content Creators, Influencers: This Is Your Year

The Latina/o Bloggers Group is back and ready to uplift you. Join the community to tap into resources, connect with like-minded creators, and be part of something bigger than just a platform. Let’s rewrite the digital narrative together.

Spread the love

Nosferatu Reimagined: Mythology, Symbolism, & Storytelling in the Digital Age

When F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu first graced the silver screen in 1922, it set the stage for a century of fascination …

Spread the love

What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About Death, Technology, and Social Change

In a world where technology seems to dominate every facet of our lives, there’s something profoundly humbling about turning back …

Spread the love