Once Upon A Time Tales Value Guide

Period
1995
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, Cardboard, Ink

This 1995 hardcover treasury is highly collectible due to the inclusion of Art Deco-influenced illustrations by Margaret Evans Price, a co-founder of Fisher-Price Toys. While published by Barnes & Noble Books, it preserves the whimsical 1921 aesthetic that defined early 20th-century American children's literature.

What affects the value of Once Upon A Time Tales?

  • The physical condition of the hardcover spine and corners significantly impacts the $15.00-$16.50 price point.
  • Presence of the original dust jacket, if issued, can maintain the upper end of the value range.
  • Internal cleanliness, specifically the absence of crayon marks or foxing on the Margaret Evans Price plates.
  • Market demand for nostalgic Fisher-Price related history and early 20th-century illustration styles.

How to Identify Once Upon A Time Tales?

  • Check the title page for Margaret Evans Price as the primary illustrator.
  • Verify the publisher is Barnes & Noble Books with a 1995 copyright date.
  • Look for the distinct Art Deco stylistic elements in the full-color plates.
  • Confirm the construction materials are standard paper and cardboard hardcover.

History of Once Upon A Time Tales

Originally published in the early 20th century, this specific edition features the distinct Art Deco-influenced illustrations of Margaret Evans Price, who was a prolific children's book illustrator and one of the founders of Fisher-Price Toys. Her whimsical style helped define the aesthetic of American children's literature during the 1920s and 1930s. This later reprint by Barnes & Noble Books brings her classic 1921 artwork to a modern audience.

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