Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era Value Guide

This 1963 autobiographical novel by Sterling North is a cornerstone of American juvenile literature, capturing a nostalgic year in Edgerton, Wisconsin. Its status as a Newbery Honor recipient and the basis for a 1969 Disney film makes the first edition a prized find for nostalgic bibliophiles.

What affects the value of Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era?

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $30-$35 price point.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the binding and lack of foxing on the paper pages.
• Provenance or signatures, such as an author inscription, which can elevate the value beyond the standard range.
• The absence of library stamps or 'Ex-Libris' markings, as former library copies are less valuable to collectors.

How to Identify Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era?

• Verify the 1963 publication date on the title page and copyright page to ensure first edition status.
• Look for the original cloth binding and high-quality ink printing characteristic of early E.P. Dutton releases.
• Check for the presence of the original dust jacket, which features distinct mid-century cover art.
• Confirm the author's name, Sterling North, is prominently displayed on the spine and front cover.

History of Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era

Published in 1963, this Newbery Honor-winning book recounts Sterling North's childhood year in Edgerton, Wisconsin, during World War I. The story was famously adapted by Disney into a live-action film in 1969 and remains a classic of American juvenile literature.