Rilla of the Lighthouse Value Guide

Rilla of the Lighthouse is a quintessential example of 1920s girls' adventure fiction, reflecting the era's growing fascination with female independence and coastal mysteries. Authored by the prolific Grace May North and published by A. L. Burt Company, this 1926 first edition is a sought-after piece of American literary history.

What affects the value of Rilla of the Lighthouse?

• The presence and condition of the original 1926 dust jacket significantly impacts the $20-$22 price point.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the binding and lack of foxing on the paper.
• Provenance or original owner inscriptions, which can either add character or detract from the value.
• Scarcity of the first printing compared to later reprints by the same publisher.

How to Identify Rilla of the Lighthouse?

• Verify the 1926 copyright date and the A. L. Burt Company publisher imprint on the title page.
• Check for the original cloth binding, typical of mid-1920s hardcover series fiction.
• Look for the specific cover art depicting the coastal or lighthouse theme characteristic of North's work.
• Confirm the presence of any internal illustrations or frontispieces common to early Burt editions.

History of Rilla of the Lighthouse

Written by Grace May North, a prolific author of girls' series fiction in the early 20th century, this novel was part of a wave of adventure stories aimed at young female readers. North was known for her focus on Western themes and coastal mysteries, often published by houses like A. L. Burt and Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. This specific title captures the mid-1920s fascination with independence and scenic coastal settings.