The Wide House by Taylor Caldwell Value Guide

The Wide House is a significant mid-century historical epic that follows a Scottish immigrant family in pre-Civil War New York. Published by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1945, it represents Taylor Caldwell's peak as a bestseller during the late WWII era, making it a staple for collectors of Anglo-American family sagas.

What affects the value of The Wide House by Taylor Caldwell?

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $24.00 to $26.40 price range.
• Physical condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for sun-fading on the spine or fraying at the corners.
• The absence of library stamps, previous owner inscriptions, or foxing on the internal paper pages.
• Market demand for Taylor Caldwell first editions among collectors of 20th-century historical fiction.

How to Identify The Wide House by Taylor Caldwell?

• Verify the 1945 publication date on the title page and the Charles Scribner's Sons 'A' on the copyright page for first edition status.
• Check for the original cloth-bound hardcover boards, typically featuring the publisher's distinct mid-century typography.
• Confirm the presence of the original dust jacket, which features period-specific artwork reflecting the novel's pre-Civil War setting.
• Ensure the materials consist of the authentic 1945-era paper stock, which may show age-appropriate toning due to wartime production standards.

History of The Wide House by Taylor Caldwell

Published in 1945, this novel follows a family of Scottish immigrants in pre-Civil War New York. Taylor Caldwell was a prolific and highly successful Anglo-American novelist known for her intricate family sagas and deep historical research. This specific title was a major bestseller during the late WWII era, reflecting the public's appetite for epic drama and social commentary during the mid-20th century.