Paul & Virginia Value Guide

This 1795 edition represents the first English translation of Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's 1788 French masterpiece, Paul & Virginia. Translated by the notable writer and French Revolution supporter Helen Maria Williams, this specific version is highly collectible for its role in introducing the tragic, idyllic tale of Mauritius to the English-speaking world.

What Is Paul & Virginia Worth?

The typical price range for Paul & Virginia is $275 - $350 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 leather binding and the presence of any original gilt lettering or decorative tooling.
• The completeness of the text, including any original frontispiece illustrations or plates that may have been included.
• Provenance or historical signatures, particularly those linking the copy to contemporary 18th-century owners.
• The degree of foxing or staining on the internal paper, as clean copies of this 1795 translation command higher prices.

How to Identify Paul & Virginia?

• Verify the title page lists Helen Maria Williams as the translator and carries the 1795 publication date.
• Check for the presence of original 18th-century leather bindings, which are typical for high-value United Kingdom editions of this era.
• Look for the specific mention of the island of Mauritius within the text to confirm the setting of the narrative.
• Examine the paper quality for authentic 18th-century chain lines and watermarks consistent with late Georgian era production.

History of Paul & Virginia

"Paul & Virginia" is a French novel by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, first published in 1788. It tells the story of two childhood friends, Paul and Virginia, living on the island of Mauritius and their tragic love story. The novel is renowned for its idyllic descriptions of nature and its exploration of themes like innocence, love, and the corrupting influence of society. Helen Maria Williams, a notable English writer and a supporter of the French Revolution, produced this first English translation in 1795, making the beloved work accessible to a wider English-speaking audience.