The Lost King of Oz Value Guide

The Lost King of Oz is a landmark 1925 publication, serving as the fifteenth book in the series and the first written by Ruth Plumly Thompson following L. Frank Baum's death. This first edition is highly collectible for its transition in authorship and the vibrant, whimsical illustrations provided by the legendary John R. Neill.

What Is The Lost King of Oz Worth?

The typical price range for The Lost King of Oz is $225 - $250 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 can significantly increase the value beyond the $250 range.
• Overall structural integrity, including a tight binding and the absence of 'leaning' or frayed cloth corners.
• The cleanliness of the internal pages, specifically looking for foxing, finger smudges, or inscriptions by previous owners.
• Completeness of the color plates, as missing or damaged illustrations drastically reduce the market price for collectors.

How to Identify The Lost King of Oz?

• Verify the 1925 publication date on the title page or copyright notice to ensure it is a true first edition.
• Look for the original cloth binding, which typically features a colorful pictorial label pasted on the front cover.
• Confirm the presence of twelve full-color plates by John R. Neill, which are characteristic of early printings.
• Check for the publisher name 'Reilly & Lee' on the spine and title page, the primary house for Oz books during this era.

History of The Lost King of Oz

Authored by Ruth Plumly Thompson, 'The Lost King of Oz' is the fifteenth book in the classic Oz series and the first written by Thompson after the passing of original author L. Frank Baum. Published in 1925, it continues the enchanting adventures in the magical land of Oz, captivating generations of readers with its whimsical characters and imaginative storytelling.