A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Value Guide

This 1898 volume is a significant piece of American political history, commissioned by Congress to preserve the executive records of the United States. Compiled by James D. Richardson, it serves as a vital primary source for historians studying the evolution of early American executive policy.

What affects the value of A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents?

• Physical condition of the leather binding, specifically looking for dry rot or cracked hinges common in this era.
• Completeness of the volume, including all internal pages and any included portrait engravings.
• Presence of the full set versus an individual volume, though single volumes typically retail between $10 and $15.
• The degree of foxing or water damage to the paper and ink over its 125-year history.

How to Identify A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents?

• Verify the 1898 publication date and the Government Printing Office imprint on the title page.
• Check for the specific 'Volume VIII' designation within the multi-volume set sequence.
• Confirm the compiler is listed as James D. Richardson, a Representative from Tennessee.
• Look for the original leather binding and gold-stamped lettering typical of late 19th-century government editions.

History of A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents

Compiled by James D. Richardson and published by the Government Printing Office, this multi-volume set was commissioned by Congress to organize and preserve the official executive records of the United States. It remains a standard primary reference for historians studying early American executive policy.