The Valley of Horses is a 1982 first edition of the second book in Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series, the novel where Ayla, cast out by the Clan, survives alone and tames the horse Whinney.
This is the bridge book of the series and a favorite for many readers, the one that introduces Jondalar and sets up everything that follows, in the original Crown Publishers hardcover.
Details
-
Item: Hardcover fiction novel with dust jacket
-
Title: The Valley of Horses
-
Author: Jean M. Auel
-
Publisher: Crown Publishers, Inc., New York
-
Year: 1982
-
Edition/Printing: First edition, ISBN 0-517-54489-X, not a book club edition
-
Format: Hardcover with illustrated dust jacket, unclipped $15.95 flap price
-
Dust Jacket: Present, mountain valley artwork with Ayla and the steppe horses
-
Pages: 502 pages
-
Size: 9.5 x 7.5 x 2 inches
-
Special Features: Quarter cloth binding in beige and blue, saber tooth cat artwork on rear panel
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
- True first edition with the original unclipped $15.95 dust jacket
- Binding is secure and the interior text is clean and readable
- Boards are clean with bright spine lettering
- Dust jacket artwork presents well front and back
Issues / Wear
- Yellowing on the dust jacket, heaviest along the edges and spine area
- Yellowing and age toning on the page ends
- Chips and small tears at the top edge of the dust jacket near the spine
See all photos for detail — sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
-
Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
-
Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
-
Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
-
Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
The Valley of Horses followed Auel's blockbuster debut in 1982 and proved the Earth's Children series was no one book wonder, splitting its story between Ayla alone in her valley and Jondalar's long journey toward her.
This copy suits the collector building a first edition set of the series, or the reader who wants the book as it first appeared, original jacket price and all.
The unclipped $15.95 flap is the detail worth noticing here. Clipped jackets are common on this title, and an intact price corner confirms the jacket is original and complete.
First editions of a series age out of circulation one bookshelf at a time. This one is ready for its next shelf.
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
- Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
- Packed with our protective packaging standard
- Ships in 1 business day
- Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)
Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
