The Farthest Shore (1972) Signed First Edition Reference

The Farthest Shore won the National Book Award for Children’s Books in 1973. The third Earthsea novel follows an aging Ged (now Archmage) and the young prince Arren on a voyage to discover why magic is draining from the world. Their quest leads them to the land of the dead, where they must confront the source of the dissolution. Published by Atheneum in 1972, the novel is Le Guin’s meditation on death, mortality, and the acceptance of endings.

First Edition Identification

Publisher: Atheneum, New York Publication date: 1972 Format: Hardcover in dust jacket

Signed Copy Market Values

• Signed first edition, fine/fine: $400–$1,200
• Unsigned first edition: $40–$100

The National Book Award and the novel’s climactic position in the original Earthsea trilogy give it strong collector appeal. The theme of accepting death — treated with gravity and beauty — distinguishes it from the typical fantasy quest narrative.