Adventures of a Brownie Value Guide

Matthew Arnold's Poems Complete Poetical Works 1897 HB | eBay
Adventures of a Brownie
Estimated Value
$75 – $125
Period
1890-1910
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, ink, board, cloth

This antique edition of 'Adventures of a Brownie' by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik represents a classic of Victorian children's literature published by the H.M. Caldwell Company. It is highly collectible for its association with a prominent American publisher known for high-quality decorative bindings and its enduring tale of a mischievous household sprite.

What Is Adventures of a Brownie Worth?

The typical price range for Adventures of a Brownie is $75 - $125 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the cloth and board edges, as children's books from this era often show significant wear.
  • Presence and clarity of the internal illustrations, which were a hallmark of H.M. Caldwell's quality printing.
  • The preservation of the spine and binding integrity, which directly impacts the $75-$125 valuation.
  • Scarcity of the specific cover art variant used for this 1890-1910 print run.

How to Identify Adventures of a Brownie?

  • Verify the publisher imprint 'H.M. Caldwell Company, New York' on the title page or spine.
  • Check for the author's pseudonym 'Mulock' rather than the full name Dinah Maria Mulock Craik.
  • Examine the cover for the characteristic late 19th-century cloth binding and decorative board designs typical of Caldwell editions.
  • Confirm the era of production between 1890 and 1910 based on the typography and paper stock.

History of Adventures of a Brownie

This charming tale by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik, writing under the pseudonym 'Mulock', was first published in 1872. It tells the story of a brownie who lives in a house and performs mischievous but helpful deeds. The H.M. Caldwell Company was a prominent American publisher active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for producing attractive editions of classic literature and children's books. This particular edition likely reflects their commitment to quality printing and illustration.

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