The Rainbow Trail by Zane Grey Value Guide

The Rainbow Trail is a highly collectible 1915 Western novel that serves as the direct sequel to Zane Grey's masterpiece, Riders of the Purple Sage. As a cornerstone of American frontier literature, this first edition captures the peak of Grey's influence on the public's perception of the Old West.

What Is The Rainbow Trail by Zane Grey Worth?

The typical price range for The Rainbow Trail by Zane Grey is $30 - $50 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 1915 dust jacket, which can significantly increase the value beyond the $50 base.
• Overall physical condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for sun-fading on the spine or fraying at the edges.
• The cleanliness of the internal pages, as foxing or owner inscriptions can detract from the $30 to $50 market price.
• Provenance or evidence of being a true first state printing versus later 1915 impressions.

How to Identify The Rainbow Trail by Zane Grey?

• Verify the 1915 publication date on the title page and the 'Published July, 1915' statement on the copyright page.
• Check for the Harper & Brothers publisher imprint at the base of the spine and on the title page.
• Look for the original ribbed cloth binding, typically featuring a specific decorative cover design unique to early printings.
• Confirm the presence of the original frontispiece illustration, which is often missing or damaged in later reprints.

History of The Rainbow Trail by Zane Grey

Zane Grey was an American author, dentist, and baseball player whose adventure novels and westerns became very popular. 'The Rainbow Trail' is a sequel to his earlier novel 'Riders of the Purple Sage' and continues the story of John Shefford's quest in the American West. Grey's books have significantly shaped the public's perception of the American frontier.