The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling by Henry Fielding Value Guide

This 1930 edition of The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling is a significant collectible that bridges 18th-century literature with early 20th-century British artistry. Published by The Abbey Library, it is distinguished by the unique lithographic style of illustrator G. Spencer Pryse, a renowned wartime poster artist.

What affects the value of The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling by Henry Fielding?

• The preservation of the original book cloth cover and the clarity of the ink illustrations.
• The presence of any foxing or yellowing common to paper produced in the 1930s.
• The overall structural integrity of the binding and the completeness of the G. Spencer Pryse plates.
• Current market demand for early 20th-century illustrated editions of 18th-century classics.

How to Identify The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling by Henry Fielding?

• Verify the publisher is listed as The Abbey Library, United Kingdom, circa 1930.
• Check for the specific interior illustrations credited to artist G. Spencer Pryse.
• Confirm the physical construction consists of period-accurate book cloth and paper materials.
• Look for the complete title 'The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling' on the spine and title page.

History of The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling by Henry Fielding

First published in 1749, this novel is among the earliest English works to be classified as a novel. This specific edition features illustrations by G. Spencer Pryse, an artist known for his lithography and wartime posters, adding a distinct early 20th-century aesthetic to the 18th-century tale.