The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel Value Guide

This 1941 historical novel is a poignant collectible born from a sacred vow made by Austrian-Jewish author Franz Werfel during his escape from Nazi-occupied Europe. It chronicles the life of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and her visions at Lourdes, serving as both a literary masterpiece and a testament to the author's survival.

What affects the value of The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel?

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $10-$12 baseline value.
• Overall physical state, including the preservation of the linen binding and lack of foxing on the paper pages.
• Provenance or markings indicating it is a true first edition rather than a later Book of the Month Club reprint.
• The historical significance of the 1941 printing year, marking the fulfillment of Werfel's wartime promise.

How to Identify The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel?

• Check for the original 1941 publication date on the title page or copyright page to ensure it is a first-era printing.
• Look for the distinctive linen-bound hardcover typical of mid-century United States book manufacturing.
• Verify the author's name, Franz Werfel, and the title 'The Song of Bernadette' on the spine and front cover.
• Inspect the interior pages for the specific typography and ink quality consistent with 1940s American publishing standards.

History of The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel

Published in 1941, 'The Song of Bernadette' is a historical novel by Austrian-Bohemian writer Franz Werfel. It tells the story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who claimed to have witnessed visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Werfel, an Austrian Jew, promised to write a novel about Bernadette if he and his wife were able to escape the Nazis during World War II. After their escape, he fulfilled his vow, and the book became an international bestseller, later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1943.