Title:

The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner: With a Biographical Account of Defoe

Genre:
Adventure
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Series:
100 Greatest Books Ever Written
Binding:
Calf-Binding
Narrative:
First Person
Type of Book:
Fiction
Number of Pages:
300
Number of Chapters:
13
Date Added:
2018-06-26 17:23:56
Synopsis:
This 1855 edition of Robinson Crusoe published by Henry G. Bohn is not a first edition, but it is historically significant and collectible, with market values typically ranging from $60 to $150 depending on condition and completeness.

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📘 Overview of the Edition

• Title: The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner: With a Biographical Account of Defoe
• Publisher: Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden, London
• Year: 1855
• Illustrations: Features seventy wood engravings (chiefly after William Harvey) and twelve steel engravings after Thomas Stothard hathitrus... +1.
• Format: Hardcover, typically bound in leather or cloth, often with gilt spine labels and decorative tooling.


This edition is part of Bohn’s mid-19th century publishing program, which emphasized richly illustrated and affordable classics for Victorian readers. The inclusion of Stothard’s engravings—originally commissioned for earlier editions—adds artistic and bibliographic value.

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📚 Historical Importance

• Not a first edition: The original Robinson Crusoe was published in 1719 by William Taylor. This 1855 Bohn edition is over a century later and thus not a first edition.
• Cultural significance: Bohn’s editions helped popularize classic literature among middle-class readers during the Victorian era. The illustrations by Harvey and Stothard reflect 19th-century visual interpretations of Defoe’s narrative.
• Collectible appeal: While not rare in the strictest sense, this edition is valued for its engravings, period binding, and its role in the illustrated book movement.


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💰 Market Value

• Typical range: $60–$150 depending on condition, completeness, and binding quality eBay +1.
• Higher values: Exceptionally well-preserved copies or those with fine bindings may fetch up to $200–$300.
• Lower values: Copies with detached boards, heavy foxing, or missing plates may sell for under $50.


Auction records and listings on platforms like AbeBooks and eBay show consistent interest in this edition, especially when the engravings are intact and the binding is original.

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Would you like help drafting a catalog entry or provenance note for this copy? I can also assist in comparing it to other illustrated editions for valuation.
Author:
Daniel Defoe
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Publisher:
The Franklin Library
Place of Printing:
United States of America
Number of Copies:
1
Special Edition:
Yes
Automatic Estimated Value:
~$29.92
Automatic Estimated Date:
2025-11-29
Date Added:
2018-06-26 17:23:56

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