The Joke Signed First Edition Reference

Žert (Československý spisovatel, Prague, 1967; English: Coward-McCann, 1969; Kundera-authorized translation: Harper & Row, 1992) tells the story of Ludvík Jahn, whose ironic postcard (“Optimism is the opium of the people! A healthy atmosphere stinks of stupidity! Long live Trotsky!”) is taken seriously by the Communist Party, destroying his academic career and personal life. Kundera disavowed the original English translation and authorized a new one in 1992.

Signed Copy Market Values

• Signed authorized edition (1992): $100–$250
• Signed original English first (1969): $100–$300 (though Kundera disowned this translation)
• Unsigned authorized edition: $15–$30

Collectors face a dilemma: the 1969 edition is the English first but uses a translation Kundera rejected. The 1992 Harper & Row is the author-authorized text. Most Kundera collectors prefer the authorized version.