Bohemian San Francisco Value Guide

Curious Lore of San Francisco's Chinatown by Henry Evans ...
Bohemian San Francisco
Estimated Value
$150 – $200
Period
1914
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, cloth binding
Category
Bohemian art

Published in 1914, Clarence E. Edwords' 'Bohemian San Francisco' is a definitive primary source documenting the city's vibrant pre-Prohibition dining and cultural scene. This work is highly collectible for its detailed accounts of legendary restaurants and cafes that shaped the unique identity of early 20th-century San Francisco.

What Is Bohemian San Francisco Worth?

The typical price range for Bohemian San Francisco is $150 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for sun-fading on the spine or frayed corners.
  • Presence of the original dust jacket, which is exceptionally rare for this 1914 title and significantly increases value.
  • Internal cleanliness, including the absence of foxing, water stains, or previous owner inscriptions.
  • Completeness of all pages and the integrity of the binding's hinge.

How to Identify Bohemian San Francisco?

  • Verify the 1914 publication date on the title page and copyright notice.
  • Check for the original cloth binding, typically featuring decorative gilt or stamped lettering.
  • Ensure the presence of the original frontispiece and any internal illustrations or maps.
  • Confirm the author is listed as Clarence E. Edwords and the publisher matches the 1914 first edition run.

History of Bohemian San Francisco

Clarence E. Edwords' 'Bohemian San Francisco' is a historical treasure that captures the spirit of San Francisco's early 20th-century dining and cultural landscape. Published in 1914, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's restaurants, cafes, and bohemian lifestyle before many of these establishments were lost to time or urban development. The book serves as a valuable primary source for historians and food enthusiasts alike, detailing the unique atmosphere and culinary offerings that defined San Francisco's 'bohemian' era.

Shop Similar

Have an antique to identify?

Get an instant AI appraisal with values, history, and market insights.

Download for iPhone