The Very Busy Spider
Written and illustrated by Eric Carle.
Published by Philomel Books, New York, in 1984.
Stated First Edition (First Printing)
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good. Some marks and fading to cover and slight wear to spine edges. Name of previous owner nearly written inside, as shown. All other interior pages unmarked and still vividly coloured. Overall in nice vintage condition.
Eric Carle firsts are very valuable, and this story, The Very Busy Spider, is one of the hardest to find in first edition.
Abe Books currently have three stated first edition / first printings of this book in stock, priced at between £1350 and £2025. Which will give you a good idea of its value.
We’re pricing this same stated first edition at £375, because it no longer has its dust jacket, there is a name of a previous owner written nearly inside, and there are some brown marks to front and back cover. But it’s still an extremely valuable book by one of the most iconic children’s authors and illustrators of modern times.
Turn each page and follow the spider as it determinedly builds its web, eventually catching a fly, to the surprise of al the animals who try and fail to distract it.