The Arabian Nights: Their Best-Known Tales Value Guide

This 1909 edition of The Arabian Nights: Their Best-Known Tales is a cornerstone of the Golden Age of Illustration, featuring the luminous artwork of Maxfield Parrish. Edited by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora A. Smith, the book is highly sought after for its nine vibrant color plates and signature 'Parrish Blue' aesthetics.

What affects the value of The Arabian Nights: Their Best-Known Tales?

• The physical condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for fraying at the spine or corners.
• The completeness and preservation of the interior color plates, as missing or foxed illustrations significantly reduce value.
• The presence of the original dust jacket, which is rare for editions from the 1909-1945 era and adds a premium.
• The vibrancy of the ink, particularly the preservation of the specific 'Parrish Blue' tones against sun-fading.

How to Identify The Arabian Nights: Their Best-Known Tales?

• Check for the Charles Scribner's Sons imprint and the original 1909 publication date on the title page.
• Verify the presence of all nine full-color plates, which are known for their dreamlike lighting and saturated hues.
• Look for the distinctive black cloth binding with a large color illustration pasted onto the front cover.
• Confirm the editors are listed as Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora A. Smith.

History of The Arabian Nights: Their Best-Known Tales

First published in 1909 by Charles Scribner's Sons, this edition became one of the most famous versions of the Arabian Nights due to Maxfield Parrish's vibrant and dreamlike illustrations. Parrish's work on this volume is credited with helping to define the 'Golden Age of Illustration' in America, characterized by his unique use of light and color, particularly his signature 'Parrish Blue'.