The Oxford Book of American Verse Value Guide

The 1950 edition of The Oxford Book of American Verse is a cornerstone of literary history, curated by the influential scholar F.O. Matthiessen to define the American poetic canon. Published by Oxford University Press, this cloth-bound anthology is highly collectible for its comprehensive representation of the nation's verse and Matthiessen's scholarly introduction.

What Is The Oxford Book of American Verse Worth?

The typical price range for The Oxford Book of American Verse is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for fading on the spine or frayed corners.
• Presence and state of the original dust jacket, which significantly increases the $15-$25 market value.
• Internal cleanliness, including a lack of foxing, marginalia, or previous owner inscriptions.
• The tightness of the binding and the overall preservation of the paper and ink quality.

How to Identify The Oxford Book of American Verse?

• Verify the 1950 publication date on the title page or copyright page to ensure it is the Matthiessen edition.
• Look for the signature navy blue or dark cloth binding typical of Oxford University Press anthologies from this era.
• Confirm the presence of the extensive introduction written specifically by F.O. Matthiessen.
• Check for the Oxford University Press logo and the specific United States publishing credits.

History of The Oxford Book of American Verse

F.O. Matthiessen was a prominent American literary critic and scholar. His selection for 'The Oxford Book of American Verse' became a significant collection, aiming to represent the breadth and depth of American poetic tradition. Oxford University Press, a department of the University of Oxford, has a long and distinguished history of publishing academic and general interest books, including numerous influential anthologies.