Where Can I Buy A Tree Grows In Brooklyn First Edition?

Hunting for a first edition of 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' turns the typical online shopping trip into a little archaeology dig, and I love that about it. If I were starting from scratch, I'd focus on reputable rare-book marketplaces first: AbeBooks, Biblio, and Alibris often list true firsts from independent dealers, and ABAA-member shops (searchable through the ABAA directory) are a huge plus because their members adhere to professional standards. When a listing claims “first edition,” ask the seller for clear photos of the title page, copyright page, and the dust jacket (if present). Those images tell you far more than a terse description, and a trustworthy seller will gladly provide them and discuss condition honestly.

Beyond online shops, I’d keep an eye on the big auction houses and specialist sales—Heritage, Sotheby’s, Christie’s occasionally handle notable copies, and those catalog entries usually include provenance and condition notes. Local rare-bookstores, book fairs, and university book sales can surprise you too; I once found an unexpected signed copy tucked behind a stack of 20th-century paperbacks at a weekend fair. If you find a potential purchase on eBay, treat it like any other marketplace purchase: scrutinize photos, request extra shots (copyright page, cloth boards, spine head/tail), and check seller feedback carefully.

A few practical tips I always use: verify publisher and year (the original is Harper & Brothers, 1943), ask whether the dust jacket is price-clipped (that affects value big time), and watch out for ex-library stamps, heavy foxing, or repairs. Condition drives price—poor copies might be a few hundred dollars, while near-fine firsts with an unrestored jacket can reach into the thousands. If you’re serious and the price is high, get a professional opinion: an independent appraiser or a dealer affiliated with ABAA/ILAB can authenticate and give a valuation. Lastly, ask about return policies and request a condition report in writing. That little paperwork trail saved me grief once when a supposedly “fine” jacket turned out to be a facsimile repair—having a written description made returning it straightforward. Happy hunting—there’s a special thrill in bringing a piece of publishing history home, especially when the smell of the boards and the feel of the dust jacket match the story inside.

If you want my quick, no-frills route to buying a first edition of 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn', start with AbeBooks and Biblio and filter for first editions from reputable dealers. I usually message the seller right away: request photos of the title page, copyright page, and dust jacket—those will usually confirm the publisher/date and show condition issues like foxing or repairs. Remember the original publisher was Harper & Brothers (1943), so that’s the basic check.

For higher-end copies or signed editions, watch auction catalogs from Heritage, Christie’s, or Sotheby’s and set alerts on eBay for keywords like “first edition Harper & Brothers 1943.” Local rare-bookstores and book fairs are great if you prefer handling the book before buying; sometimes you’ll find a hidden gem for less than online asking prices. If the price is substantial, I’d recommend getting an appraisal or buying through an ABAA dealer—peace of mind is worth it. Good luck—there’s nothing like opening a genuine first and feeling that history under your fingertips.