Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham Value Guide

This 1936 Random House edition of 'Of Human Bondage' represents a key moment in American publishing history, as The Modern Library series brought Maugham's semi-autobiographical masterpiece to a broader audience. The novel's enduring legacy and its place within this prestigious collection make it a staple for collectors of 20th-century literary classics.

What Is Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham Worth?

The typical price range for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $25-$35 price range.
• Overall physical condition, including the absence of foxing on the paper and minimal wear to the cloth binding.
• The specific printing number within the 1936 run, as earlier states are often more desirable to bibliophiles.
• Provenance or previous ownership marks that link the book to notable literary collections.

How to Identify Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham?

• Verify the 'Modern Library' branding on the spine and title page, specifically noting the Random House imprint.
• Check the copyright page for the 1936 date to ensure it matches this specific era of production.
• Look for the characteristic cloth binding and the specific typography used by Random House during the mid-1930s.
• Confirm the presence of the original dust jacket, which often features unique series-specific artwork.

History of Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham's 'Of Human Bondage' is an autobiographical novel, first published in 1915. It tells the story of Philip Carey, an orphan with a clubfoot, and his intellectual, spiritual, and romantic development. The Modern Library, established in 1917, made significant literary works accessible to a wider American audience, often publishing important contemporary authors alongside classics. This edition, from Random House, signifies its place in a respected collection of literature.