Singing Shadows Value Guide

Singing Shadows is a significant 1947 anthology representing the mid-20th-century literary scene of the Honolulu Academy of Arts Poets Workshop. This first edition is highly sought after by collectors for its unique collaboration between local poets and the iconic 'Poet Laureate of Hawaii,' Don Blanding.

What Is Singing Shadows Worth?

The typical price range for Singing Shadows is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the paper and book cloth, as tropical climates often cause foxing or deterioration in mid-century Hawaiian imprints.
• The presence of a well-preserved dust jacket, which significantly increases the value toward the $50.00 range.
• The clarity and crispness of the Don Blanding silhouette illustrations, which are the primary draw for Art Deco collectors.
• Provenance or signatures from members of the Honolulu Academy of Arts literary circle.

How to Identify Singing Shadows?

• Verify the 1947 publication date and the Hawaiian Printing Co. imprint on the title page.
• Look for the distinctive Art Deco silhouette illustrations throughout the text, which are the signature style of Don Blanding.
• Confirm the presence of the original book cloth binding and cardboard covers typical of this post-war era production.
• Check for the specific attribution to the Poets Workshop of the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

History of Singing Shadows

Published in 1947 by the Hawaiian Printing Co., this anthology showcases the creative output of Honolulu's vibrant literary circle during the mid-20th century. It is most notable for its striking Art Deco silhouette illustrations by Don Blanding, known as the Poet Laureate of Hawaii, who spent much of his life capturing the islands' beauty in verse and ink.