Heart of the West by O. Henry Value Guide

Heart of the West is a seminal collection of 18 short stories set in the American West, showcasing O. Henry's signature wit and surprise endings. This 1917 edition, published by Doubleday, Page & Company for Review of Reviews Co., represents a key period in the mass distribution of William Sydney Porter's literary legacy.

What affects the value of Heart of the West by O. Henry?

• The physical condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for spine fading or frayed edges.
• The presence of any original dust jacket, which significantly increases the $25-$35 baseline value.
• Internal cleanliness, including the absence of foxing, water damage, or previous owner inscriptions.
• The completeness of the volume, ensuring no pages or frontispiece illustrations are missing.

How to Identify Heart of the West by O. Henry?

• Verify the publisher imprint on the title page as Doubleday, Page & Company for Review of Reviews Co.
• Check for the 1917 publication date, which distinguishes this specific printing from the 1907 first edition.
• Confirm the presence of all 18 short stories set in Texas and the American West.
• Inspect the cloth binding and internal paper quality consistent with early 20th-century mass-market production.

History of Heart of the West by O. Henry

O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter, was a prolific American short story writer known for his witty narrative style and surprise endings. 'Heart of the West,' originally published in 1907, is a collection of 18 short stories set in Texas and other parts of the American West. This particular edition from 1917, published by Doubleday, Page & Company for Review of Reviews Co., was part of a broader effort to distribute his popular works to a wider audience, solidifying his legacy as a master of the short story format.