Works of Robert Louis Stevenson Value Guide

This single-volume edition of the Works of Robert Louis Stevenson is a quintessential example of the 'One Volume Editions' produced by Walter J. Black, Inc. to bring classic literature into the American home. These books are highly collectible for their distinctive 1920s-1940s aesthetic, featuring sturdy decorative bindings designed to mimic high-end private library collections.

What affects the value of Works of Robert Louis Stevenson?

• The preservation of the gold gilt lettering on the spine, which can fade or flake over time.
• The structural integrity of the faux-leather binding, specifically looking for cracking at the hinges.
• The presence of foxing or yellowing on the internal paper pages common in mid-20th-century editions.
• Market demand for Walter J. Black editions, which currently hold a steady collector value of $20 to $22.

How to Identify Works of Robert Louis Stevenson?

• Check the spine and front cover for the signature brown faux-leather binding with gold gilt lettering.
• Verify the publisher imprint 'Walter J. Black, Inc.' typically located at the base of the spine or on the title page.
• Confirm the 'One Volume Edition' format which condenses Stevenson's major prose and poetry into a single, thick decorative book.
• Look for the specific manufacturing style of the United States origin dating between 1926 and 1940.

History of Works of Robert Louis Stevenson

Published by Walter J. Black, Inc. during the mid-20th century, these editions were part of a series intended to make classic literature accessible and aesthetically pleasing for home libraries. The company was founded in 1923 and became famous for its 'One Volume Editions' which condensed the major works of prolific authors into single, sturdy decorative books.