The Fossil Book: A Record of Prehistoric Life Value Guide

The Fossil Book: A Record of Prehistoric Life is a seminal 1958 work by the renowned husband-and-wife team Carroll Lane Fenton and Mildred Adams Fenton. This first edition hardcover is highly collectible for its meticulous illustrations and its historical significance as a standard reference that bridged the gap between amateur enthusiasts and professional paleontologists.

What Is The Fossil Book: A Record of Prehistoric Life Worth?

The typical price range for The Fossil Book: A Record of Prehistoric Life is $30 - $33 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $30.00-$33.00 price range.
• Overall state of the gold leaf ink on the spine, which is prone to rubbing or fading over time.
• Internal condition, specifically looking for foxing on the paper or damage to the detailed fossil illustrations.
• Provenance or signatures from the authors, Carroll Lane or Mildred Adams Fenton, can increase collector interest.

How to Identify The Fossil Book: A Record of Prehistoric Life?

• Verify the 1958 publication date on the title page and the 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page.
• Check for the original cloth-bound boards featuring gold leaf ink lettering on the spine.
• Confirm the publisher is Doubleday & Company, Inc., based in Garden City, New York.
• Look for the presence of the original dust jacket, which features a distinctive mid-century scientific illustration style.

History of The Fossil Book: A Record of Prehistoric Life

First published in 1958 by Doubleday, this comprehensive guide became a standard reference for amateur and professional paleontologists alike. The authors, a husband-and-wife team, were renowned for making complex geological and biological concepts accessible to the general public through clear writing and meticulous illustrations. It covers a vast timeline from the earliest plants and animals to the rise of mammals.