Walks and Talks in the Geological Field Value Guide

This 1886 volume by Alexander Winchell represents a significant piece of American educational history, specifically written for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. As the first adult education program in the U.S., these books brought academic geological science from the University of Michigan to the general public.

What Is Walks and Talks in the Geological Field Worth?

The typical price range for Walks and Talks in the Geological Field 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 gold leaf gilding on the spine and the integrity of the cloth cover.
• Presence of original 19th-century illustrations and the absence of foxing on the paper.
• The historical significance of the Chautauqua series provenance to collectors of educational history.
• Completeness of the binding, as these volumes were often heavily used for home study.

How to Identify Walks and Talks in the Geological Field?

• Verify the 1886 publication date and the Chautauqua Press imprint on the title page.
• Check for the distinctive 19th-century cloth binding featuring gold leaf lettering on the spine.
• Confirm Alexander Winchell is listed as the author, noting his affiliation with the University of Michigan.
• Look for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (C.L.S.C.) emblem or series branding.

History of Walks and Talks in the Geological Field

This volume was written by Alexander Winchell, a prominent American geologist and professor at the University of Michigan. It was published in 1886 by the Chautauqua Press specifically for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, which was the first adult education program in the United States and served to bring higher education to the masses through organized home reading.