A Treasury of the Theatre Value Guide

A Treasury of The Theatre by John Gassner 1956 | eBay
A Treasury of the Theatre
Estimated Value
$18 – $20
Period
1950-1956
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, cardboard, book cloth

Compiled by legendary critic John Gassner, this revised college edition is a definitive mid-century anthology bridging classical and modern drama. It remains a collectible piece of academic history, representing the standard for American university theater education between 1950 and 1956.

What Is A Treasury of the Theatre Worth?

The typical price range for A Treasury of the Theatre is $18 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the book cloth and integrity of the cardboard binding.
  • Presence of the original dust jacket, which is rare for university-used copies.
  • Minimal internal markings, as these were frequently used as textbooks with heavy annotations.
  • Completeness of the volume, ensuring all pages from the Ibsen to Miller era are intact.

How to Identify A Treasury of the Theatre?

  • Check for the 'Revised College Edition' subtitle on the title page and spine.
  • Verify the editor is John Gassner and the publisher is Simon and Schuster or Dryden Press.
  • Confirm the era by checking the copyright dates, which should fall between 1950 and 1956.
  • Look for the specific play sequence starting with Henrik Ibsen and concluding with Arthur Miller.

History of A Treasury of the Theatre

John Gassner was a legendary theater critic and historian who compiled this definitive anthology to bridge the gap between classical and modern drama. Originally published in various editions, this specific version spanning from Henrik Ibsen to Arthur Miller was widely utilized in American universities during the mid-20th century to teach the evolution of contemporary stagecraft and playwriting.

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