The Fine Art & Collectibles Sale
Lot 93:
Description
8 x 5 1/2 in (20.3 x 14 cm)
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided by the consignor. According to the accompanying materials, the signature was reviewed with reference to factors including ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. These materials relate to the reported signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece, and are presented as received for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
Few novels in twentieth-century American literature possess the historical importance, emotional power, and cultural influence of The Grapes of Wrath. Widely regarded as John Steinbeck’s masterpiece, the novel remains one of the defining literary works of the Great Depression era and a cornerstone of modern American social realism.
Published by Viking Press in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath chronicled the devastating human consequences of economic collapse, Dust Bowl migration, and labor displacement in Depression-era America. The novel quickly became one of the most influential works in modern literary history, earning Steinbeck the Pulitzer Prize and later contributing significantly to his Nobel Prize recognition.
This highly desirable signed first edition example bears the signature of John Steinbeck on a rear blank page, creating a refined and historically compelling presentation closely connected to one of the most important American novels ever published.
The copyright page identifies the book as a "Second Printing Before Publication, " preserving a direct connection to the original 1939 first edition publication sequence while distinguishing it from the earliest first printing state.
The autograph exhibits the restrained flowing structure and elegant simplicity commonly associated with Steinbeck’s established signing style during the mid-twentieth century.
Signed copies of The Grapes of Wrath occupy an especially important position within the rare book market because of the novel’s extraordinary literary stature and enduring relevance within American social and political history.
The original cloth binding and classic Viking Press design further reinforce the historical atmosphere of the volume, preserving the visual identity associated with one of the most significant American literary publications of the twentieth century.
Collectors increasingly regard signed Steinbeck first editions as museum-level artifacts representing the intersection of literature, labor history, and American cultural identity during the Great Depression era.
Visible natural aging and period characteristics contribute additional authenticity and atmosphere highly appreciated within advanced rare book collecting culture.
As both a defining relic of American literary history and a historically significant signed presentation volume connected to one of the twentieth century’s greatest novelists, this signed The Grapes of Wrath represents an exceptional acquisition opportunity for collectors of investment-grade literary memorabilia.
Condition: ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
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