The Song of Bernadette Value Guide

Published in 1942 during Franz Werfel's exile, this first edition novel captures the spiritual journey of Saint Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. Its immediate success and subsequent Academy Award-winning film adaptation have made it a cornerstone of 20th-century religious literature.

What affects the value of The Song of Bernadette?

• The presence and preservation of the original 1942 dust jacket is the primary driver for the $50-$100 valuation.
• Physical condition of the cloth boards, specifically looking for sun-fading on the spine or fraying at the edges.
• The absence of foxing or yellowing on the internal paper pages, which can occur due to the wartime paper quality.
• Unique provenance, such as owner inscriptions or signatures related to the 1943 film adaptation.

How to Identify The Song of Bernadette?

• Verify the 1942 publication date on the copyright page to ensure it is a true first edition.
• Look for the original Viking Press imprint, which served as the primary US publisher for this release.
• Check for the original cloth binding, typically finished in a dark blue or grey with gold-stamped lettering.
• Examine the dust jacket for the original price and artwork depicting the Lourdes grotto.

History of The Song of Bernadette

Franz Werfel, an Austrian-Bohemian novelist, wrote 'The Song of Bernadette' in 1941 while in exile. The novel tells the story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who experienced Marian apparitions in Lourdes, France. It was an instant success upon its release and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1943.