A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan Value Guide

First published in 1974, A Bridge Too Far is Cornelius Ryan's definitive narrative of Operation Market Garden, meticulously compiled from archival research and veteran interviews. It remains a cornerstone of WWII literature, gaining further collectible status following the star-studded 1977 film adaptation.

What Is A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan Worth?

The typical price range for A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan is $15 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket, as tears or fading significantly reduce the $15-$40 market value.
• The presence of an author signature, as Cornelius Ryan passed away shortly after publication, making signed copies rare and more valuable.
• Distinction between the trade first edition and the common Book of the Month Club (BOMC) editions which lack a price on the flap.
• Overall physical condition, specifically looking for foxing on the page edges or leaning of the spine.

How to Identify A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan?

• Verify the 1974 publication date on the title page and the 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page.
• Check for the original dust jacket featuring the iconic bridge silhouette and bold red and white typography.
• Confirm the publisher is Simon & Schuster for the US first edition, typically bound in black cloth with gold lettering on the spine.
• Look for the price of '$12.50' on the front flap of the dust jacket to ensure it is not a book club edition.

History of A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan

A Bridge Too Far was written by Irish-American author Cornelius Ryan and first published in 1974. The book gives a detailed narrative account of Operation Market Garden, the Allied airborne operation in September 1944 that attempted to secure bridges in the Netherlands. Ryan combined eyewitness interviews and archival research to create a vivid, popular history that inspired a 1977 film adaptation and remains a widely read account of the campaign.