Minute Biographies Value Guide

Minute Biographies is a quintessential example of 1930s educational publishing, featuring 150 illustrated profiles of historical figures. Published by Grosset & Dunlap, it represents the Great Depression-era trend of providing affordable, accessible knowledge through the collaborative work of Samuel Nisenson and Alfred Parker.

What affects the value of Minute Biographies?

• The presence and condition of the original 1931 dust jacket significantly increases market value.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the binding and the absence of foxing on the paper pages.
• The cleanliness of the cloth cover, as these volumes were often heavily handled in home libraries.
• Historical interest in specific figures profiled within the 150 biographies included in the volume.

How to Identify Minute Biographies?

• Verify the 1931 copyright date and the Grosset & Dunlap publisher imprint on the title page.
• Check for the signature layout consisting of a full-page portrait facing a one-page biographical summary.
• Confirm the presence of the original cloth-bound hardcover, typically featuring a distinctive period graphic on the front.
• Look for the names of creators Samuel Nisenson and Alfred Parker credited for the illustrations and text.

History of Minute Biographies

Published during the Great Depression by Grosset & Dunlap, this book was part of a popular series of 'Minute' books designed to provide accessible, bite-sized educational content to the American public. Samuel Nisenson and Alfred Parker collaborated to create a format that paired a full-page portrait with a one-page summary of famous individuals, ranging from explorers and scientists to political leaders.