The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Illustrated Value Guide

This late 19th-century volume showcases the complete poetical works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, America's preeminent fireside poet. These editions are highly collectible for their intricate Victorian cover art and period-specific illustrations that bring classics like 'The Song of Hiawatha' to life.

What Is The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Illustrated Worth?

The typical price range for The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Illustrated is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the decorative cloth cover, specifically the preservation of gold gilt and embossed elements.
• The presence and state of all internal illustrations and the integrity of the binding's spine.
• Historical provenance or specific publisher markings that distinguish this from later, less ornate reprints.
• Minimal foxing or yellowing of the paper, which maintains the aesthetic appeal for Victorian book collectors.

How to Identify The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Illustrated?

• Check for elaborate Victorian-era decorative cloth bindings, often featuring gold gilt or embossed detailing common between 1880 and 1890.
• Verify the presence of high-quality period illustrations accompanying major narrative poems like 'Paul Revere's Ride'.
• Look for United States publication credits from the late 19th century to ensure era authenticity.
• Examine the paper quality and ink saturation, which should reflect the industrial printing standards of the 1880s.

History of The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Illustrated

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of the most popular American poets of the 19th century, known for narrative poems like 'Paul Revere's Ride' and 'The Song of Hiawatha.' His works were widely collected and often published in elaborately decorated editions like this one, reflecting the Victorian era's appreciation for literary arts and decorative bindings.