The Spirit of St. Louis Value Guide

This 1953 first edition autobiography captures Charles Lindbergh's historic 1927 solo transatlantic flight in vivid detail. It remains a cornerstone of aviation literature, having earned the Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography in 1954 for its profound historical significance.

What Is The Spirit of St. Louis Worth?

The typical price range for The Spirit of St. Louis is $50 - $70 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 $50-$70 value range.
• Overall condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for sun-fading or silverfish damage.
• The presence of any inscriptions or signatures, though standard first editions typically fall in the lower price bracket.
• Internal cleanliness, including the absence of foxing on the pages or previous owner nameplates.

How to Identify The Spirit of St. Louis?

• Verify the 1953 publication date on the title page and the 'A' on the copyright page for the Scribner's first printing.
• Check for the original blue cloth binding with silver or gold lettering on the spine.
• Ensure the dust jacket features the iconic illustration of the custom-built monoplane over the Atlantic.
• Look for the absence of later printing notices or book club edition markings.

History of The Spirit of St. Louis

Charles A. Lindbergh's 'The Spirit of St. Louis' is an autobiography recounting his groundbreaking solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927. This incredible feat of aviation, which made Lindbergh an international hero, is vividly detailed in the book. Published in 1953, the work earned Lindbergh a Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography in 1954, cementing its place in literary and historical significance. The book offers a firsthand account of the challenges, preparations, and emotions leading up to and during his monumental journey aboard the custom-built single-engine monoplane, 'The Spirit of St. Louis.'