The Shepherd of the Hills Value Guide

Published in 1907, Harold Bell Wright's The Shepherd of the Hills became a national sensation that famously put the Missouri Ozarks on the map. This collectible first edition is prized for its role in transforming the region into a tourist destination and its exploration of rural moral themes.

What Is The Shepherd of the Hills Worth?

The typical price range for The Shepherd of the Hills is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the hardcover binding, specifically looking for minimal fading or fraying on the spine.
• Presence and state of the original dust jacket, which significantly increases rarity.
• Internal cleanliness, including the absence of foxing, inscriptions, or torn pages.
• The specific printing state, as early impressions within the 1907 run are more desirable.

How to Identify The Shepherd of the Hills?

• Look for the 1907 publication date on the title page or copyright page.
• Verify the publisher is Book Supply Company, Chicago, which issued the original edition.
• Check for the iconic cover art featuring the landscape of the Ozark Mountains.
• Ensure the hardcover binding matches the original cloth variants typical of early printings.

History of The Shepherd of the Hills

Published in 1907, 'The Shepherd of the Hills' quickly became a national sensation. It tells the story of an old man, known as the Shepherd, who arrives in a secluded community in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, bringing with him wisdom and a mysterious past. The novel's immense popularity not only cemented Harold Bell Wright's reputation as a bestselling author but also put the previously unknown region of the Ozarks on the map, transforming it into a popular tourist destination. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of simple rural life, moral themes, and the beauty of the natural world.