Adulthood Rites (1988) Signed First Edition Reference

Adulthood Rites is the second volume of Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy. Published by Warner Books in 1988, it shifts perspective to Akin, the first male human-Oankali construct — a child who looks human but carries Oankali genetic material. Akin is kidnapped by human “resisters” who refuse genetic trade with the Oankali, and through his captivity comes to understand both sides of the conflict.

First Edition Identification

Publisher: Warner Books, New York Publication date: 1988 Format: Hardcover in dust jacket

Signed Copy Market Values

• Signed first edition, fine/fine: $300–$800
• Unsigned first edition: $40–$100

The middle volume of a trilogy, Adulthood Rites is valued primarily for set completion. Its narrative innovations — using a hybrid child’s perspective to examine the human-Oankali conflict — are substantial, but collector demand clusters around Dawn for individual volume purchases.