The Cleft Rock by Alice Tisdale Hobart Value Guide

The Cleft Rock is a significant 1948 work by Alice Tisdale Hobart that pivots from her usual Chinese settings to explore post-World War II American social change. Published by The Bobbs-Merrill Company, it remains a collectible piece of mid-century literature reflecting the era's complexities and personal resilience.

What affects the value of The Cleft Rock by Alice Tisdale Hobart?

• Presence and condition of the original dust jacket, which significantly impacts the $10-$12 market value.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the binding and lack of foxing on the paper pages.
• Historical provenance, such as author signatures or inscriptions from Alice Tisdale Hobart.
• The scarcity of first edition printings compared to later library or book club editions.

How to Identify The Cleft Rock by Alice Tisdale Hobart?

• Verify the 1948 publication date on the title page or copyright page.
• Check for the original Bobbs-Merrill Company imprint on the spine and title page.
• Ensure the binding is the original cardboard with the period-correct cloth or paper covering.
• Look for the distinctive mid-century typography and ink quality characteristic of late 1940s American printing.

History of The Cleft Rock by Alice Tisdale Hobart

Alice Tisdale Hobart was an American novelist known for her historical fiction and social commentary, often set in China where she lived for many years. 'The Cleft Rock' explores themes of social change and personal resilience in a post-World War II setting, reflecting the complexities of American society during that era.