The Red Pony
John Steinbeck
📚 Genre
Literary Fiction / Novella / Coming-of-Age
🏢 Publisher
The Viking Press
📅 Publication Year
1945
🔢 ISBN
None (Pre-dates ISBN system)
About This Book
Originally published as a set of short stories, this novella follows the coming-of-age of Jody Tiflin, a young boy living on a California ranch. The story explores themes of life, death, and the harsh realities of nature through the boy's relationship with his pony, Gabilan. This specific edition features a textured brown cloth binding with a stylized blue and red illustration of a ranch house and clouds, designed to accompany the first illustrated printing featuring work by Wesley Dennis.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
120-130
Edition
First Illustrated Edition / Bantam/Viking Trade Edition
Series
Not part of a series
Target Audience
Young Adult and Adult
Collector Information
Condition
Good to Very Good. The cover shows minor shelf wear at the corners and base of the spine. The blue ink stamping remains vibrant. The binding appears tight though the spine shows very slight fading.
Estimated Value
$15-$40
Rarity
Uncommon. While The Red Pony is very common, this specific 1945 illustrated trade binding is harder to find in good condition than later mass-market paperbacks, though it is not a 'rare' collector's item in the absence of a dust jacket.
Historical Significance
Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature (author); this work is considered a classic of American literature and a staple of middle and high school curricula for its poignant exploration of responsibility and mortality.
Collector Notes
Value is significantly impacted by the absence of the original dust jacket. Collectors should look for the presence of the Wesley Dennis illustrations inside. To preserve, keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the brown cloth and blue stamping. This edition is a steady 'entry-level' collectible for Steinbeck enthusiasts.
Similar Books
The Pearl by John Steinbeck, Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara
Notable Features
Features illustrations by Wesley Dennis. Distinctive textured cloth cover typical of mid-century Viking Press Steinbeck editions.