Life With Father by Clarence Day Value Guide

This 1935 first edition hardcover by Alfred A. Knopf is a cornerstone of American humorous literature, immortalizing the eccentricities of late 19th-century New York family life. Its significance is bolstered by its legacy as the basis for the longest-running non-musical Broadway play and a classic 1947 film.

What affects the value of Life With Father by Clarence Day?

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $30-$40 price point.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the cloth binding and lack of foxing on the pages.
• Provenance or markings, such as original bookseller labels or lack of library stamps, which preserve collector interest.
• The printing state, as first printings of this 1935 bestseller are more desirable than later 1930s reprints.

How to Identify Life With Father by Clarence Day?

• Verify the publisher is Alfred A. Knopf with the original 1935 publication date on the title page.
• Look for the distinctive cloth binding typical of mid-1930s Knopf editions.
• Check for the presence of the original dust jacket, which features period-specific typography and design.
• Confirm the author is credited as Clarence Day (Jr.) to ensure it is the primary memoir collection.

History of Life With Father by Clarence Day

'Life With Father' is a collection of humorous essays by Clarence Day Jr., first published in 1935. It chronicles Day's eccentric upbringing in New York City in the late 19th century, focusing on his strong-willed, often tempestuous father. The book became an instant bestseller and was later adapted into a successful Broadway play in 1939, which held the record for the longest-running non-musical play for many years. It was also made into a popular film in 1947 starring William Powell and Irene Dunne. The enduring popularity of the story lies in its charming portrayal of a bygone era and the universal theme of family dynamics.