New York: Confidential! Value Guide

Published in 1948 by Ziff-Davis, New York: Confidential! is a seminal piece of sensationalist journalism that exposed the crime and corruption of the city's nightlife. Written by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer, this first edition hardcover is highly collectible for its influence on the 1955 film noir and its role in the scandalous 'Confidential' book series.

What Is New York: Confidential! Worth?

The typical price range for New York: Confidential! is $340 - $375 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 $340-$375 price range.
• Overall structural integrity, including the state of the cloth binding and the absence of foxing on the paper pages.
• Provenance or signatures from authors Jack Lait or Lee Mortimer can drive value toward the higher end.
• Market demand driven by collectors of film noir history and mid-century urban exposés.

How to Identify New York: Confidential!?

• Verify the 1948 publication date and Ziff-Davis imprint on the title page.
• Check for the original cloth-bound cover, typically featuring the distinctive typography of the 'Confidential' series.
• Confirm the presence of both authors, Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer, on the spine and title page.
• Look for the first edition statement or lack of subsequent printing notations common in early Ziff-Davis releases.

History of New York: Confidential!

Published in 1948, this book was part of a scandalous series of 'Confidential' guides that exposed the gritty underbelly of American cities. Authors Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer utilized their backgrounds as journalists to provide sensationalist accounts of crime, corruption, and nightlife, which eventually inspired a 1955 film noir of the same name.