Angela’s Ashes

Hardcover

1st

Non-Fiction

2018-06-26 18:07:58

Based on the images provided, here is an overview and analysis of the book, ”Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt.
Book Overview
Angela’s Ashes: A Memoir is a 1996 memoir by Irish-American author Frank McCourt. The book recounts his impoverished childhood in Limerick, Ireland, during the 1930s and 1940s. McCourt’s narrative details the struggles of his family with poverty, his father’s alcoholism, and the hardships of daily life, all while infusing the story with his characteristic wit and resilience. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 1997.
Historical Importance
The book is considered historically important as a powerful memoir that provides a vivid and personal account of extreme poverty and the immigrant experience in the 20th century. It offers a glimpse into the social and economic conditions of a specific time and place in Ireland, while also exploring universal themes of family, resilience, and hope. While some historical accounts have questioned the complete accuracy of every detail, the book’s impact in bringing these themes to a wider audience is undeniable.
First Edition Status
Based on the image of the copyright page, the book is a 1996 printing. To determine if it is a first edition, first printing, you need to check a few specific points:
* Copyright Page: A true first printing will typically have a full number line on the copyright page, such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2.
* Dust Jacket Price: The original dust jacket should have a price of $23.00 printed on the front flap.
Please note that the presence of the year ”1996” on its own does not guarantee a first printing, as there were many subsequent printings in that same year.
Significance of the Signature
The signature visible on the page is that of the author, Frank McCourt. The inscription ”To Sharon” indicates that the book was a personal gift from the author to the recipient. A book signed and inscribed by the author is more valuable than one with just a signature. Since Frank McCourt passed away in 2009, his signature is not as widely available, and its significance has increased.
Value
The value of this book depends on a few key factors:
* Condition: The overall condition of the book and dust jacket is a major factor. A book in ”fine” or ”near fine” condition is more valuable.
* First Edition, First Printing: A true first edition, first printing in excellent condition with a dust jacket is the most sought-after and valuable version.
* Signature: A signed copy of Angela’s Ashes is more valuable than an unsigned one. The personal inscription to ”Sharon” adds a unique element, which can either increase the value for a collector who appreciates the personalization or slightly decrease it if they prefer a clean, uninscribed signature.
Based on current market listings for signed first editions of Angela’s Ashes, values can range widely from approximately $100 to over $700, depending on the exact factors listed above. Copies with unique provenance or inscriptions can command higher prices. To get a precise value, you would need to have the book appraised by a professional bookseller or compare it to recent sales of similar copies on reputable rare book sites.

Scribner

9780002254434

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

1996-01-01

1999

1

~$6.05

2025-09-05

2018-06-26 18:07:58