The Complete Poetical Works of Longfellow Value Guide

This 1905 Medallion Edition represents a significant compilation of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's literary legacy, featuring iconic American narrative poems like 'The Song of Hiawatha'. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company, it serves as a quintessential example of early 20th-century mass-market literary collections that brought classic poetry into American homes.

What affects the value of The Complete Poetical Works of Longfellow?

• The physical condition of the binding, specifically looking for fraying at the spine or sun-bleaching.
• Presence of original illustrations or frontispiece portraits of Longfellow.
• Completeness of the text block, including the absence of foxing or heavy ink inscriptions.
• Market demand for early 20th-century American poetry editions, currently ranging from $30 to $60.

How to Identify The Complete Poetical Works of Longfellow?

• Verify the 'Medallion Edition' branding typically found on the spine or title page.
• Check the title page for the Houghton Mifflin Company imprint and the 1905 copyright date.
• Look for the inclusion of major works such as 'Paul Revere's Ride' to ensure the 'Complete' status of the volume.
• Examine the binding for the specific decorative motifs characteristic of the Medallion series.

History of The Complete Poetical Works of Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of the most popular American poets of the 19th century. His narrative poems like 'Paul Revere's Ride' and 'The Song of Hiawatha' were widely read and beloved. This edition, published by Houghton Mifflin Company, compiles his extensive poetic contributions, reflecting his enduring legacy in American literature.