Title:
The Red Badge Of Courage
Genre:
Adventure
Drama
Historical Fiction
History
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Series:
100 Greatest Books Ever Written
Binding:
Hardcover
Narrative:
Third Person
Type of Book:
Fiction
Number of Pages:
267
Number of Chapters:
24
Date Added:
2018-06-26 17:31:06
Synopsis:
That is a very important distinction! If that first image is indeed the original dust jacket, it significantly changes the conversation about this book’s value and rarity.
The Role of the Dust Jacket
In the world of rare book collecting, the dust jacket is often the most valuable part of the object. For a limited edition from 1931, finding a surviving jacket is quite rare because they were designed to be disposable protection.
* Rarity: Most copies of the 1931 Grabhorn Press edition found on the market today are ”naked” (missing the jacket). Having the original jacket—even in a worn state—sets your copy apart from the majority of those available.
* Condition vs. Presence: While the jacket in your photo shows significant splitting at the hinges and some chipping/loss along the edges, the mere fact that it exists is a huge ”plus” for a collector. A damaged original jacket is almost always preferred over no jacket at all.
Revised Value Estimate
With the dust jacket included, the value of your copy shifts upward, even with the physical wear:
| Component | Condition Notes | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|
| The Book | Foxing (spots) on the title page; interior looks intact. | Moderate |
| The Jacket | Significant paper loss on the spine; fragile edges. | High (due to rarity) |
Estimated Market Value: Because you have the jacket, a collector might value this copy between $200 and $400. If the book itself (under the jacket) is in excellent condition, it could lean toward the higher end. Collectors of ”Grabhorns” specifically look for these complete sets.
Preservation Tip
Since the jacket is already splitting, I highly recommend placing it in a brodart cover (an archival-quality clear plastic sleeve). This will:
* Stop the spine of the jacket from tearing further.
* Keep the pieces of the jacket attached to the book so they don’t get lost.
* Protect the paper from the oils on your hands when you handle it.
Would you like me to find a guide on how to safely apply an archival cover to a fragile jacket like this, or would you prefer I look up recent auction results for this specific Grabhorn edition with its jacket?
4to, pp. 142. Of a total edition of 980 copies printed, this is number 334 printed in Hand-set Type Goudy Modern, on Van Gelderred and black at the Grabhorn Press. With a title-page illustration, 24 headpieces, and a tailpiece by Valenti Angelo at the Grabhorn Press. Bound in cloth-backed blue boards, a very good clean copy in chipped plain dust jacket. Grabhorn Bibliography # 154. ”This was the first of a series of three books that the [Grabhorn] Press contracted to do for Random House during the year of 1931. The House of Seven Gables, a companion volume to The Scarlet Letter, was to be the second; and the Life of Cellini in an edition of four hundred copies was to be the third. Because of business conditions, however, only The Red Badge of Courage-because it had progressed too far to be abandoned-was completed.”
Based on the images you provided, this is a special edition of The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane.
Here is an overview of the book and its historical importance:
* Book Title: The Red Badge of Courage
* Author: Stephen Crane
* Publication Date: The images indicate this specific edition was published by Random House, Inc., New York, on August 15, 1931.
* Historical Importance: This novel is a classic of American literature. It’s significant for its realistic portrayal of a young soldier’s psychological journey during the American Civil War. Crane, who was born after the war, drew on historical accounts and psychological insight to create a powerful and enduring work that redefined war fiction.
Is it a First Edition?
No, this is not a first edition of The Red Badge of Courage. The first edition was published in 1895. The images clearly state this copy was published in 1931.
What is its value?
While a first edition from 1895 would be quite valuable, this 1931 edition is still special. The images provide key details that help determine its value:
* Publisher: Random House, Inc.
* Printer: Grabhorn Press, San Francisco. The Grabhorn Press was a renowned fine art printing house, and their work is highly sought after by collectors.
* Limited Edition: The image with the cannon and flag states that ”980 copies printed in July, 1931” and that this is ”Copy No. 334.” This means it is a limited edition printing. The decorations are by Valenti Angelo, another notable figure in fine press printing.
Due to these factors—a limited printing by a prestigious press and a notable illustrator—this book has value as a fine press and collectible edition. To determine a precise value, you would need to consult a rare book appraiser, as the condition of the book (which appears to have some wear on the spine from one image) and current market demand are major factors. However, such a limited edition from the Grabhorn Press is generally a valuable collectible.
The Role of the Dust Jacket
In the world of rare book collecting, the dust jacket is often the most valuable part of the object. For a limited edition from 1931, finding a surviving jacket is quite rare because they were designed to be disposable protection.
* Rarity: Most copies of the 1931 Grabhorn Press edition found on the market today are ”naked” (missing the jacket). Having the original jacket—even in a worn state—sets your copy apart from the majority of those available.
* Condition vs. Presence: While the jacket in your photo shows significant splitting at the hinges and some chipping/loss along the edges, the mere fact that it exists is a huge ”plus” for a collector. A damaged original jacket is almost always preferred over no jacket at all.
Revised Value Estimate
With the dust jacket included, the value of your copy shifts upward, even with the physical wear:
| Component | Condition Notes | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|
| The Book | Foxing (spots) on the title page; interior looks intact. | Moderate |
| The Jacket | Significant paper loss on the spine; fragile edges. | High (due to rarity) |
Estimated Market Value: Because you have the jacket, a collector might value this copy between $200 and $400. If the book itself (under the jacket) is in excellent condition, it could lean toward the higher end. Collectors of ”Grabhorns” specifically look for these complete sets.
Preservation Tip
Since the jacket is already splitting, I highly recommend placing it in a brodart cover (an archival-quality clear plastic sleeve). This will:
* Stop the spine of the jacket from tearing further.
* Keep the pieces of the jacket attached to the book so they don’t get lost.
* Protect the paper from the oils on your hands when you handle it.
Would you like me to find a guide on how to safely apply an archival cover to a fragile jacket like this, or would you prefer I look up recent auction results for this specific Grabhorn edition with its jacket?
4to, pp. 142. Of a total edition of 980 copies printed, this is number 334 printed in Hand-set Type Goudy Modern, on Van Gelderred and black at the Grabhorn Press. With a title-page illustration, 24 headpieces, and a tailpiece by Valenti Angelo at the Grabhorn Press. Bound in cloth-backed blue boards, a very good clean copy in chipped plain dust jacket. Grabhorn Bibliography # 154. ”This was the first of a series of three books that the [Grabhorn] Press contracted to do for Random House during the year of 1931. The House of Seven Gables, a companion volume to The Scarlet Letter, was to be the second; and the Life of Cellini in an edition of four hundred copies was to be the third. Because of business conditions, however, only The Red Badge of Courage-because it had progressed too far to be abandoned-was completed.”
Based on the images you provided, this is a special edition of The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane.
Here is an overview of the book and its historical importance:
* Book Title: The Red Badge of Courage
* Author: Stephen Crane
* Publication Date: The images indicate this specific edition was published by Random House, Inc., New York, on August 15, 1931.
* Historical Importance: This novel is a classic of American literature. It’s significant for its realistic portrayal of a young soldier’s psychological journey during the American Civil War. Crane, who was born after the war, drew on historical accounts and psychological insight to create a powerful and enduring work that redefined war fiction.
Is it a First Edition?
No, this is not a first edition of The Red Badge of Courage. The first edition was published in 1895. The images clearly state this copy was published in 1931.
What is its value?
While a first edition from 1895 would be quite valuable, this 1931 edition is still special. The images provide key details that help determine its value:
* Publisher: Random House, Inc.
* Printer: Grabhorn Press, San Francisco. The Grabhorn Press was a renowned fine art printing house, and their work is highly sought after by collectors.
* Limited Edition: The image with the cannon and flag states that ”980 copies printed in July, 1931” and that this is ”Copy No. 334.” This means it is a limited edition printing. The decorations are by Valenti Angelo, another notable figure in fine press printing.
Due to these factors—a limited printing by a prestigious press and a notable illustrator—this book has value as a fine press and collectible edition. To determine a precise value, you would need to consult a rare book appraiser, as the condition of the book (which appears to have some wear on the spine from one image) and current market demand are major factors. However, such a limited edition from the Grabhorn Press is generally a valuable collectible.
Author:
Stephen Crane
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Publisher:
Random House, Inc, New York
Number of Copies:
1
Automatic Estimated Value:
~$19.95
Automatic Estimated Date:
2024-06-10
Date Added:
2018-06-26 17:31:06
