estateRUTH.

Identification

1942 Heritage Press Edition of 'The Gods are A-Thirst' by Anatole France

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

The item is explicitly identified by its title page and copyright page as the 1942 Heritage Press edition of Anatole France's 'The Gods are A-Thirst', illustrated by Jean Oberlé.

Story

The Heritage Press was an imprint of the George Macy Companies, founded in 1937 as a more affordable counterpart to the Limited Editions Club. They reprinted classic literature with high-quality typography, bindings, and illustrations, often reusing the plates from the Limited Editions Club. Jean Oberlé was a noted French artist and illustrator whose work adds visual appeal to this edition. Heritage Press books from the mid-20th century are common in the secondary market.

Maker / Origin

The Heritage Press

Condition & Value

The seller describes the book as 'beautifully preserved' and housed in its original slipcase. Value in this tier is highly dependent on the slipcase being intact (no splits or heavy rubbing) and the spine being free of the heavy sun-fading or browning that is very common to this specific edition.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Heritage Press books from the mid-20th century are common in the secondary market. They were mass-produced subscription books intended to bring fine press aesthetics to a broader audience. While beautifully made, their abundance means most trade as decorative or reading copies rather than high-value rare books. Buyers are typically collectors of classic literature, decorators looking for attractive shelf displays, or fans of the specific illustrator.

Value Drivers

▲ Presence of the original slipcase is crucial for Heritage Press values

▲ Desirable mid-century illustrated edition with striking cover design

▲ Seller's claim of 'beautifully preserved' condition

Concerns

▼ Spine sunning or browning is very common on this edition and would reduce value

▼ Unverified slipcase integrity — splits or edge wear would push value to the floor

▼ Absence of the original 'Sandglass' insert (a common Heritage Press newsletter) misses a small premium

Best Venue

List on a broad marketplace like eBay or Etsy, or a specialized site like Biblio if you are a bookseller. Highlight the condition of the slipcase and the spine in the listing title and photos. Price around $45-$60 for a steady sale, or up to $75 if the condition is truly exceptional and you are willing to wait for the right buyer.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Rare Book Cellar
    THE GODS ARE A-THIRST Heritage Press. Anatole France. New York: Heritage Press, 1942. First Edition Thus; First Printing. Hardcover.
    Excerpt indicates the price is for a different book (Rousseau).
    $143