Scribner's Magazine Value Guide

Scribner's Magazine was a cornerstone of American literary culture, renowned for its high-quality fiction and sophisticated illustrations. This 1889 edition is particularly collectible as it captures the magazine's early influence, featuring landmark works like Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Master of Ballantrae' and detailed Victorian-era social essays.

What affects the value of Scribner's Magazine?

• Physical condition of the paper, specifically the presence of foxing, spine integrity, and whether the cover is detached.
• Completeness of the issue, including all original advertising pages and full-page art plates.
• The historical significance of specific contributors or articles contained within the individual 1889 monthly issue.
• Market demand for late 19th-century Americana and specific interest in Victorian-era technological or social history.

How to Identify Scribner's Magazine?

• Verify the publication date of 1889 on the front cover and the masthead inside the first few pages.
• Check for the distinctive Charles Scribner's Sons branding and the high-quality wood-engraved illustrations typical of the era.
• Look for specific serialized content such as Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Master of Ballantrae' or contemporary articles on railway expansion.
• Confirm the presence of original period advertisements, which are often found at the front and back of the issue.

History of Scribner's Magazine

Scribner's Magazine was a highly influential American literary magazine published from 1887 to 1939. It was known for its high-quality fiction, essays, and illustrations, attracting contributions from many notable writers and artists of its time. The magazine played a significant role in shaping American literary tastes and artistic trends during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This particular issue from 1889 likely features content that reflects the social, cultural, and technological interests of that era, possibly including railway articles and the serial novel "Master of Ballantrae" by Robert Louis Stevenson.