Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Memorial Edition Value Guide

The Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Memorial Edition is a landmark of the American Arts and Crafts movement, published posthumously following Elbert Hubbard's tragic death on the Lusitania. These volumes represent the Roycroft Press's commitment to the hand-crafted aesthetic, blending biographical literature with exquisite book arts.

What Is Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Memorial Edition Worth?

The typical price range for Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Memorial Edition is $25 - $27 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 fragile limp leather, which is prone to 'red rot' or chipping at the spine ends.
• The presence of the original silk ribbon marker and the cleanliness of the deckle-edged paper.
• The specific subject of the volume, as certain biographies in the series may command more interest from niche collectors.
• The vibrancy of the debossed cover art and the preservation of the gold or colored pigments used in the design.

How to Identify Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Memorial Edition?

• Look for the distinctive debossed Art Nouveau landscape design on the front cover of the limp leather binding.
• Verify the 1916 publication date and 'Memorial Edition' designation on the title page.
• Check for the Roycroft orb and cross logo, a hallmark of authentic Hubbard-produced materials.
• Confirm the binding material is genuine limp leather, which should feel soft and flexible rather than rigid.

History of Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Memorial Edition

Written by Roycroft founder Elbert Hubbard, this series was a cornerstone of the American Arts and Crafts movement. The Memorial Edition was published posthumously after Hubbard and his wife died during the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. These books were designed to reflect the hand-crafted aesthetic of the Roycroft Press, which emphasized beauty in everyday objects.