Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints Value Guide

This 1920s edition of Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints is a cornerstone of American Catholic history, condensing the extensive hagiographies of John Gilmary Shea and Alban Butler into a daily devotional format. Its enduring appeal lies in its role as a primary educational tool for parochial schools and households during the early 20th century.

What Is Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints Worth?

The typical price range for Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints is $65 - $75 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 the preservation of any embossed or gilded detailing.
• The completeness of the internal pages and the clarity of the numerous saint illustrations.
• The presence of original owner inscriptions or parochial school stamps which can add provenance.
• The overall rarity of the specific printing year within the 1920-1930 date range.

How to Identify Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints?

• Check for the distinctive cloth-bound hardcover typical of 1920s United States religious publications.
• Verify the presence of daily entries for every day of the year, accompanied by period-specific illustrations of the saints.
• Look for references to compilers John Gilmary Shea or Alban Butler on the title page or in the preface.
• Confirm the use of heavy cardboard covers and specific ink-and-paper aging consistent with the 1920-1930 era.

History of Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints

Compiled from larger volumes by authors such as John Gilmary Shea and Alban Butler, this work was designed for daily devotions in Catholic households. It has seen numerous printings since the late 19th century, serving as a primary source for hagiography and moral education in the parochial school system.