Gentleman's Agreement Value Guide

This 1947 first edition of Gentleman's Agreement is a landmark of post-WWII social commentary that tackled American antisemitism head-on. Its status as a collectible is cemented by its immediate cultural impact and the success of its Academy Award-winning film adaptation starring Gregory Peck.

What Is Gentleman's Agreement Worth?

The typical price range for Gentleman's Agreement is $20 - $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 significantly impact the $20-$40 price range.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the binding and lack of foxing on the paper.
• Provenance or signatures, though standard first editions remain affordable for most collectors.
• Historical significance of the 1947 publication year coinciding with the film's release.

How to Identify Gentleman's Agreement?

• Verify the '1947' date on the title page and the Simon & Schuster imprint.
• Check for the original cloth binding, typically featuring gold or colored lettering on the spine.
• Ensure the dust jacket is present, as it features the iconic mid-century typography and design original to the first printing.
• Look for the absence of later printing notations on the copyright page to confirm first edition status.

History of Gentleman's Agreement

Laura Z. Hobson's 'Gentleman's Agreement' was a groundbreaking novel published in 1947, immediately following World War II. It powerfully addressed the prevalent issue of antisemitism in America, particularly among the upper-middle class, through the story of a journalist who pretends to be Jewish to expose discrimination. The book was an immediate success and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film starring Gregory Peck in the same year, contributing significantly to national conversations about prejudice and tolerance. Its impact on American society and literature is undeniable.