The White Witch of Rosehall by Herbert G. de Lisser Value Guide

This 1929 first edition is a cornerstone of Caribbean literature, immortalizing the chilling Jamaican folklore of Annie Palmer and the Rose Hall plantation. Its blend of historical fiction and gothic horror makes it a highly sought-after volume for collectors of colonial-era literature and West Indian history.

What Is The White Witch of Rosehall by Herbert G. de Lisser Worth?

The typical price range for The White Witch of Rosehall by Herbert G. de Lisser is $200 - $240 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for sun-fading on the spine or fraying at the corners.
• Presence and state of the original 1929 dust jacket, which can dramatically increase the value toward the $240 range.
• Internal cleanliness, including the absence of foxing on the paper or previous owner inscriptions.
• Provenance or historical connection to Jamaican literary circles which can add a premium to the $200 base value.

How to Identify The White Witch of Rosehall by Herbert G. de Lisser?

• Verify the 1929 publication date on the title page or copyright page to ensure first edition status.
• Check for the original cloth binding, which is characteristic of the initial Ernest Benn Ltd or similar early printings.
• Look for the specific author attribution to Herbert G. de Lisser, often noted for his role as editor of the Gleaner.
• Confirm the presence of any original dust jacket artwork, which significantly distinguishes the first release from later reprints.

History of The White Witch of Rosehall by Herbert G. de Lisser

First published in 1929, 'The White Witch of Rosehall' is a classic Jamaican novel by Herbert G. de Lisser. It tells the story of Annie Palmer, a white sorceress who owned the Rose Hall plantation in Jamaica and was rumored to have murdered her husbands and enslaved people with black magic. The novel is a blend of horror, romance, and historical fiction, and it has captivated readers for decades. It is considered a significant work in Caribbean literature and has contributed to the folklore surrounding the Rose Hall Great House.