The International Library of Music Value Guide

The International Library of Music is a definitive 1930s-era anthology that served as a foundational resource for American music students and enthusiasts. These sets are highly collectible for their comprehensive blend of historical essays, composer biographies, and curated sheet music, all housed in elaborate period bindings.

What Is The International Library of Music Worth?

The typical price range for The International Library of Music is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Completeness of the multi-volume set significantly impacts the market price, with full sets reaching the $120 range.
• The physical condition of the cloth bindings, specifically the presence of fraying or sun-fading on the spines.
• Internal preservation, including the absence of handwritten notations or markings on the sheet music pages.
• The specific edition and inclusion of rare historical essays or specific composer biographies.

How to Identify The International Library of Music?

• Check for the University Society of New York or similar US publishing imprints dated between 1930 and 1940.
• Verify the presence of decorative cloth-bound covers, often featuring embossed titles and gold-leaf lettering.
• Ensure the set includes a mix of instructional text, historical literature, and printed musical compositions.
• Look for the characteristic heavy-weight paper stock and high-quality ink used in early 20th-century American printing.

History of The International Library of Music

Music anthologies and instructional series like 'The International Library of Music' were popular in the early to mid-20th century, providing comprehensive resources for music students and enthusiasts. These sets often featured historical essays, biographies of composers, and collections of sheet music, serving as foundational texts for home libraries and educational institutions. Their elaborate bindings reflected the high regard for classical music education during this era.