A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson Value Guide

1923 A Child's Garden of Verses, Robert Louis Stevenson, Illus by Sue Seeley | eBay
A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
Estimated Value
$25 – $45
Period
1930-1950
Origin
United States or United Kingdom
Materials
Paper, Cardboard, Ink

This mid-20th century edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1885 masterpiece captures the nostalgic essence of childhood through 64 evocative poems. These specific volumes from the 1930s to 1950s are highly collectible due to their unique period illustrations and their role in preserving Stevenson's Scottish childhood memories.

What Is A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson Worth?

The typical price range for A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson is $25 - $45 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The reputation and fame of the specific artist who provided the interior illustrations.
  • The presence and condition of the original dust jacket, which significantly increases market value.
  • Overall physical state, including the absence of foxing, spine leaning, or 'scribbling' common in children's books.
  • The scarcity of the specific printing run or the prestige of the publishing house.

How to Identify A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson?

  • Check the copyright page for publication dates between 1930 and 1950 from US or UK publishers.
  • Verify the presence of all 64 original poems, including classics like 'The Lamplighter' and 'Bed in Summer'.
  • Examine the binding for period-specific cardboard covers or cloth-wrapped boards typical of mid-century production.
  • Identify the specific illustrator, as many prominent 20th-century artists provided unique artwork for these editions.

History of A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson

Originally published in 1885, 'A Child's Garden of Verses' is a seminal work in children's literature, containing 64 poems that evoke the world of childhood innocence, illness, and imagination. The poems were written by Robert Louis Stevenson based on his own childhood experiences in Scotland. This work has been continuously published since its debut, leading to numerous highly sought-after illustrated editions by prominent artists throughout the 20th century.

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