Reveries of a Bachelor Value Guide

This 1893 edition of Reveries of a Bachelor represents a peak era of Victorian sentimentality, authored by Donald Grant Mitchell under his famous pseudonym, Ik Marvel. Published by the prolific Henry Altemus in Philadelphia, this specific volume is a collectible example of late 19th-century decorative bookmaking that once defined American literary taste.

What Is Reveries of a Bachelor Worth?

The typical price range for Reveries of a Bachelor is $15 - $18 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the cloth binding, specifically the preservation of any gilt or stamped cover designs.
• The presence of foxing or yellowing on the internal paper pages, which can decrease the $15-$18 market value.
• The integrity of the spine and hinges, as these 1890s Altemus editions are prone to structural wear.
• Provenance or unique inscriptions that link the book to the late 19th-century period.

How to Identify Reveries of a Bachelor?

• Verify the publisher is Henry Altemus, Philadelphia, as stated on the title page.
• Check for the 1893 publication date or copyright notice within the front matter.
• Look for the pseudonym 'Ik Marvel' on the cover or spine, which was Mitchell's signature branding.
• Confirm the presence of the original cloth binding, typical of Altemus's mass-market decorative editions.

History of Reveries of a Bachelor

First published in 1850, this book became one of the most popular American literary works of the mid-19th century. Its sentimental reflections on life, love, and domesticity resonated deeply with Victorian readers, making its author, Donald Grant Mitchell, a literary celebrity. This specific volume was published by Henry Altemus in Philadelphia, a prolific publisher known for decorative editions of classic literature.