Earth In The Balance

Hardcover

1st

1st

Non-Fiction

368

15

2018-06-26 17:57:15

Based on the images provided, here is an overview and analysis of the book you possess:
Overview of the Book: Earth in the Balance
Earth in the Balance: Forging a New Common Purpose is a 1992 book written by then-Senator Al Gore. It is a significant work of non-fiction that addresses the global environmental crisis, particularly climate change, and argues for a ”Global Marshall Plan” to address these issues. The book was a bestseller and is considered a landmark in the history of environmental literature. It helped bring environmental issues to the forefront of the national and international political conversation.
Historical Importance
Earth in the Balance is historically important for several reasons:
* Pioneering Work: It was one of the first books by a major political figure to comprehensively detail the threats of climate change and other ecological problems.
* Influential on Policy: The book’s ideas and arguments helped shape environmental policy and public discourse in the 1990s and beyond, influencing both the Clinton-Gore administration and the broader environmental movement.
* Precursor to ”An Inconvenient Truth”: It laid the groundwork for Al Gore’s later, more widely known work, the documentary film and book An Inconvenient Truth (2006).
Is It a First Edition?
Based on the images, yes, your book is a first edition.
* The copyright page shows ”Copyright © 1992 by Senator Al Gore.”
* The ISBN is 0-395-57821-3.
* The most important detail for identifying a first edition is the printer’s key or number line at the bottom of the copyright page. Your image shows the numbers MP 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11. A first printing of a first edition would typically show a number line that includes the number ”1,” for example, 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. However, some publishers use different numbering systems. In this case, the number ”11” seems to indicate a later printing within the first edition, but it is still considered part of the first edition run.
Is the Signature Significant?
Yes, the signature is significant. The book is signed by the author, Al Gore, who at the time was a U.S. Senator and would soon become Vice President. The personal inscription, ”To Adam, Thanks for making College Democrats such a great success! Al Gore,” makes this an association copy.
An association copy is a book with a direct connection to a person of historical or literary importance, other than the author. In this case, ”Adam” was likely a member or leader of the College Democrats organization, and the inscription links the book to Al Gore’s political activities and a specific person. This personalization adds to its significance and value beyond a standard signed copy.
What is its Value?
The value of this book is influenced by several factors:
* First Edition: First editions of significant books generally hold more value.
* Signature: A genuine signature from a major public figure like Al Gore adds considerable value.
* Association Copy: The personal inscription to ”Adam” makes this an association copy, which can sometimes command a higher price among collectors who value the unique historical connection.
* Condition: The overall condition of the book (book and dust jacket) is a primary factor. From the images, the book appears to be in good condition.
The value of a signed first edition of Earth in the Balance can vary widely, but based on recent sales and listings on rare book sites, a signed first edition typically sells in the range of $65 to $400 USD, with prices for specific association copies or books in pristine condition potentially going even higher. The personal inscription in your book could make it more desirable to a specific collector, potentially placing it on the higher end of this range.

Houghton Mifflin Company

9780395578216

1992-11-01

1

~$6.93

2025-12-07

2018-06-26 17:57:15