Banner by the Wayside Value Guide

Banner by the Wayside is a significant piece of mid-century Americana, capturing Samuel Hopkins Adams' signature focus on the history of Upstate New York. This 1947 Random House first edition is highly collectible for fans of Erie Canal lore and those interested in the romanticized frontier spirit of the 1840s.

What Is Banner by the Wayside Worth?

The typical price range for Banner by the Wayside is $8 - $12 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $8-$12 price range.
• Overall structural integrity, including the crispness of the gold foil stamping and lack of foxing on the paper.
• Provenance or author signatures, which can occasionally elevate the value of this mid-century hardcover.
• The cleanliness of the cloth boards and the absence of library markings or heavy shelf wear.

How to Identify Banner by the Wayside?

• Verify the 1947 publication date on the title page and the Random House logo on the spine.
• Check for the original cloth binding, typically featuring gold foil stamping on the spine.
• Confirm the presence of the original dust jacket, which features period-appropriate theatrical and canal-themed artwork.
• Look for the 'First Printing' or 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page to ensure its status.

History of Banner by the Wayside

Samuel Hopkins Adams was a noted American writer and muckraker whose work often focused on the history of Upstate New York. This 1947 novel is part of his Erie Canal series, following the adventures of a theatrical troupe and a young woman along the canal in the 1840s. It reflects the romanticized American frontier spirit common in mid-century literature.