Dear Enemy by Jean Webster Value Guide

Published in 1915, 'Dear Enemy' is the celebrated epistolary sequel to Jean Webster's 'Daddy-Long-Legs', following Sallie McBride's management of an orphanage. This antique hardcover is highly collectible for its witty social commentary and its place in early 20th-century feminist literature.

What Is Dear Enemy by Jean Webster Worth?

The typical price range for Dear Enemy by Jean Webster is $25 - $35 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 dust jacket, which significantly increases the $25-$35 base value.
• Overall physical condition, including the crispness of the cloth cover, spine stability, and lack of foxing on the paper.
• The presence of any previous owner inscriptions or bookplates, which can either detract from or add to the provenance.
• The edition number, with true first printings commanding the highest end of the price spectrum.

How to Identify Dear Enemy by Jean Webster?

• Verify the 1915 publication date on the title page or copyright page to ensure it is a first edition or early printing.
• Check for the original decorative cloth binding, typically featuring period-specific typography and cover art.
• Look for the presence of Jean Webster's characteristic illustrations or decorative endpapers common in early United States editions.
• Confirm the publisher is likely The Century Co., which handled the initial American release.

History of Dear Enemy by Jean Webster

Jean Webster, born Alice Jane Chandler Webster, was an American writer best known for her novels 'Daddy-Long-Legs' and its sequel 'Dear Enemy'. Both books explore themes of education, social reform, and the challenges faced by young women in the early 20th century. 'Dear Enemy', published in 1915, continues the story through the letters of Sallie McBride, a character introduced in 'Daddy-Long-Legs', as she takes on the daunting task of managing an orphanage. Webster's works are celebrated for their witty narratives, strong female characters, and social commentary.