Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer First Edition Value Guide

The 1939 first edition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a cornerstone of American holiday history, originally created by Robert L. May as a promotional booklet for the Montgomery Ward department store. This specific printing predates the famous 1949 song and subsequent stop-motion specials, making it the definitive origin of the world's most famous reindeer.

What affects the value of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer First Edition?

• Overall paper condition, as the fragile materials used in 1939 are prone to yellowing, tearing, and spine wear.
• Completeness of the booklet, including all original pages and the integrity of the staple binding.
• The presence of any original Montgomery Ward distribution markings or stamps which can bolster provenance.
• Market demand for early 20th-century Christmas ephemera, with pristine copies reaching the $240 range.

How to Identify Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer First Edition?

• Verify the 1939 publication date on the title page to ensure it is the original Montgomery Ward promotional release.
• Check for the original softcover format, as these were distributed as paper booklets rather than hardbound books.
• Look for the specific Robert L. May authorship credit, which distinguishes the original prose from later adaptations.
• Confirm the presence of the original illustrations that debuted alongside the first printing of the text.

History of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer First Edition

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Robert L. May in 1939 for Montgomery Ward, a department store, as a Christmas promotional booklet. This endearing story of an outcast reindeer who saves Christmas became an instant hit, especially when May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted it into a song in 1949, famously sung by Gene Autry. The original 1939 booklet is a significant piece of American holiday history, predating the well-known song and subsequent television specials.