A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich Value Guide

This 1928 first edition is a cornerstone of Midwestern pioneer literature, famously chronicling the life of Abbie Deal in Nebraska. Its enduring popularity stems from Bess Streeter Aldrich's realistic portrayal of early American settlement and the resilience of the female spirit.

What Is A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich Worth?

The typical price range for A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich is $35 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence and condition of the original 1928 dust jacket significantly increases market value.
• Overall physical condition, including spine tightness and the absence of foxing or shelf wear.
• Provenance or presence of a signature by Bess Streeter Aldrich can elevate the price beyond the $50 range.
• The scarcity of well-preserved first printings compared to later reprints from the 1930s and 1940s.

How to Identify A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich?

• Verify the publication date of 1928 on the title page and copyright page.
• Check for the original cloth binding, typically featuring period-appropriate typography and design.
• Confirm the publisher is D. Appleton and Company, the original house for the first printing.
• Look for the absence of later printing notations or book club edition markings.

History of A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich

Bess Streeter Aldrich was an American author who often wrote about pioneer life and the American Midwest. "A Lantern in Her Hand," published in 1928, is one of her most beloved works, telling the story of Abbie Deal, a pioneer woman in Nebraska, and her struggles and triumphs through life. The novel gained significant popularity for its realistic portrayal of early American settlement and its strong female protagonist. It remains a classic of Midwestern literature.