First Edition Points and Criteria for Moby Dick (Illustrated by Rockwell Kent)

Year Published: 1930
Author Last Name: Melville
Author First Name: Herman
Publisher: Random House
Original Price:
Pages: 822

This is not the 1851 true first edition. Rather, this is the 1930 edition that was illustrated by Rockwell Kent. The first Rockwell Kent edition was a three volume set published by the Lakeside Press with acetate dust jackets in an aluminum slipcase. These range in value from $9,000 to $11,000.

Below are photos of the Rockwell Kent first trade edition which was published by Random House. These range in value from $150 to $1,500.


This is the first edition Lakeside Press three volume set which was limited to a printing of 1,000.


The limited Lakeside Press first edition was issued with an aluminum slipcase.


Each book in the limited first edition set has a roman volume numeral on the spine and on the front board.


This is the Rockwell Kent first trade edition dust jacket.


The copyright page from the Rockwell Kent first trade edition.


The title page from the Rockwell Kent first trade edition.


This is rear dust jacket of the Rockwell Kent first trade edition.


The Rockwell Kent first trade edition has black cloth with silver print and decorations.


The following illustrations are from the Rockwell Kent first trade edition.