The Poetical Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson Value Guide

This late 19th-century American edition of Alfred Lord Tennyson's poetry represents the height of Victorian literary appreciation. As the Poet Laureate's works like 'Ulysses' grew in fame, these ornate leather-bound volumes became essential status symbols for personal libraries and high-end gift-giving.

What Is The Poetical Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson Worth?

The typical price range for The Poetical Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson is $40 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the leather, specifically looking for 'red rot' or cracking at the hinges which can decrease value.
• The preservation of the gilt decorative elements on the cover and the page edges.
• The presence of any unique provenance, such as period gift inscriptions or bookplates from notable 19th-century owners.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the binding and the absence of foxing or water damage on the internal pages.

How to Identify The Poetical Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson?

• Check the title page for publication dates between 1885 and 1890 to confirm the specific era.
• Verify the presence of genuine gilt edges on the paper block and decorative gold tooling on the leather spine.
• Look for the characteristic Victorian-style typography and potential frontispiece portraits of Tennyson common in US editions from this period.
• Inspect the binding for authentic period materials, specifically the fine-grain leather used in late 19th-century American bookmaking.

History of The Poetical Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson

Alfred Lord Tennyson was one of the most renowned poets of the Victorian era, serving as Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria's reign. His works, such as "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Ulysses", are iconic. This particular edition, with its ornate leather binding, reflects the Victorian appreciation for beautifully crafted books, often given as gifts or proudly displayed in personal libraries.