Sweet Thursday

Cannery Row

2

Hardcover

1st

Fiction

260

24

2018-06-26 18:37:23

Based on the images provided, here is an overview of the book, its historical importance, and its potential value.
Book Overview: Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck
Sweet Thursday is a novel by Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, first published in 1954. It is a sequel to his earlier and more famous work, Cannery Row. The story returns to the sardine-canning district of Monterey, California, a setting Steinbeck often used in his writing. The novel continues the story of the marine biologist, Doc, and his misfit friends, while introducing new characters. The plot revolves around Doc’s disillusionment with life and the efforts of his friends, including a new brothel owner named Fauna and a young woman named Suzy, to help him find happiness and love. The tone is often described as lighter and more romantic than some of Steinbeck’s other works.
Historical Importance
While not as historically significant as The Grapes of Wrath or Of Mice and Men, Sweet Thursday holds importance as part of what is sometimes called Steinbeck’s ”Monterey Trilogy,” along with Tortilla Flat and Cannery Row. These books are a significant part of the Steinbeck canon, and they reflect a shift in his writing style and thematic concerns. The novel provides insight into his later career and his continued exploration of themes like the bonds of humanity, loneliness, and the search for happiness.
Is it a First Edition?
Yes, the book in the image appears to be a first edition. The copyright page clearly states: ”Copyright 1954 by John Steinbeck” and ”First published by The Viking Press in June 1954.” This direct statement of ”First published” is a key indicator of a first edition for this publisher. The Library of Congress catalog card number ”54-7983” also aligns with a 1954 publication date.
Value
The value of a first edition of Sweet Thursday can vary significantly depending on its condition, especially the condition of the dust jacket.
* Pristine Condition (Book and Dust Jacket): Copies in fine condition with an equally fine dust jacket are quite rare and can be very valuable. Some sources suggest these could be worth over $20,000.
* Very Good Condition: More commonly found copies in very good condition with the dust jacket are still highly sought after by collectors. These can range in value from around $1,500 to $2,500, or possibly even higher.
* Good or Lesser Condition: Copies with a damaged or missing dust jacket will be worth much less.
To determine the precise value, an appraiser would need to examine the book’s condition in person, checking for things like the presence of the original $3.50 price on the dust jacket, any tears or creases on the jacket, and the overall condition of the book itself (stains, writing, damage, etc.).




In Monterey, on the California coast, Sweet Thursday is what they call the day after Lousy Wednesday, which is one of those days that are just naturally bad. Returning to the scene of Cannery Row, the weedy lots and junk heaps and flophouses of Monterey, John Steinbeck once more brings to life the denizens of a netherworld of laughter and tears from Fauna, new headmistress of the local brothel, to Hazel, a bum whose mother must have wanted a daughter.

New York : Viking

9780140187502

United States

1954-07-01

1

~$14.75

2026-01-04

2018-06-26 18:37:23