The Greatest Story Ever Told Value Guide

This 1949 Doubleday hardcover edition of Fulton Oursler's 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' is a cornerstone of mid-century religious literature. Its dramatic narrative style turned the biblical story into a massive bestseller and inspired the 1965 cinematic epic starring Max von Sydow.

What affects the value of The Greatest Story Ever Told?

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket, which is often missing or damaged in older copies.
• The physical state of the cloth boards, specifically looking for shelf wear, bumped corners, or spine fading.
• Internal condition, including the lack of owner inscriptions, foxing, or significant yellowing of the paper.

How to Identify The Greatest Story Ever Told?

• Check for the 1949 copyright date and the Doubleday & Company, Inc. publisher imprint on the title page.
• Confirm the original cloth-bound cover, which usually features stamped gilt lettering on the spine.
• Look for the original dust jacket design, which is essential for identifying early printings of this spiritual classic.

History of The Greatest Story Ever Told

Fulton Oursler's 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' is a revered retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, first published in 1949. It quickly became a bestseller, beloved for its accessible and dramatic narrative style, which brought the biblical story to a wide audience. The book was adapted into a major motion picture in 1965, starring Max von Sydow as Jesus, further cementing its place in popular culture. Oursler, a prolific American author and journalist, was known for his works on religious and spiritual themes.