Literature and Dogma by Matthew Arnold Value Guide

This early 20th-century edition of Literature and Dogma represents Matthew Arnold's influential attempt to reconcile Christian morality with modern scientific criticism. Published by Macmillan Co. in the United States, it remains a cornerstone of Victorian cultural criticism and religious philosophy.

What Is Literature and Dogma by Matthew Arnold Worth?

The typical price range for Literature and Dogma by Matthew Arnold is $15 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for sun-fading on the spine or fraying at the corners.
• Presence of original owner inscriptions or bookplates which can add historical provenance or detract from value.
• The integrity of the binding and hinges, as these trade editions were often heavily read and can show structural wear.
• Market demand for Matthew Arnold's theological works compared to his more widely collected poetry volumes.

How to Identify Literature and Dogma by Matthew Arnold?

• Check for the Macmillan Co. imprint on the title page or spine, typical of early 1900s American distributions.
• Verify the cloth binding texture and color, which should reflect the standard library or trade styles of the 1900-1910 era.
• Look for the specific phrasing 'the Eternal Power, not ourselves, that makes for righteousness' within the text to confirm the complete essay.
• Inspect the paper stock for the natural aging and weight characteristic of early 20th-century US publishing.

History of Literature and Dogma by Matthew Arnold

Matthew Arnold, a leading Victorian poet and cultural critic, published *Literature and Dogma* in 1873. The work was controversial, arguing for a literary rather than literal interpretation of the Bible. Arnold sought to preserve the moral authority of Christianity in the face of scientific criticism and secularism, proposing that 'God' is a human expression for 'the Eternal Power, not ourselves, that makes for righteousness.' This edition, published by Macmillan Co., represents the popular accessibility of Arnold's critical work in the early 20th century.