Quality by John Galsworthy Value Guide

This 1914 standalone edition of 'Quality' by John Galsworthy is a highly collectible gift book that highlights the tragic struggle of the Gessler brothers against industrialization. Originally part of 'The Inn of Tranquility,' this specific Charles Scribner's Sons release is prized for its early 20th-century production value and thematic depth.

What Is Quality by John Galsworthy Worth?

The typical price range for Quality by John Galsworthy is $40 - $50 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 looking for fading or fraying at the spine ends.
• The presence and preservation of the internal illustrations, which are key to this edition's appeal.
• The scarcity of the 1914 separate printing compared to the more common 1912 multi-story collections.
• The overall cleanliness of the pages, as foxing or ink signatures can reduce the $40-$50 market value.

How to Identify Quality by John Galsworthy?

• Verify the Charles Scribner's Sons imprint and the specific 1914 publication date on the title page.
• Check for the presence of the original illustrations that distinguish this standalone gift edition from the 1912 collection.
• Confirm the binding is the original cloth, typically featuring period-appropriate decorative elements or gilt lettering.
• Ensure the text focuses solely on the Gessler brothers' narrative rather than the full 'Inn of Tranquility' anthology.

History of Quality by John Galsworthy

The short story 'Quality' is one of John Galsworthy's most famous works, a concise and moving narrative concerning the Gessler brothers, traditional German shoemakers struggling against the industrialization of their craft. It was originally published as part of Galsworthy's 1912 collection, The Inn of Tranquility. Due to its great popularity, the essay was quickly separated and republished as a handsome illustrated gift book, with this specific edition being noted for its 1914 publication date.