Identification

Sagebrush to Shakespeare by Carrol B. Howe, 1984 First Edition

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

The provided images clearly show the dust jacket and the copyright page. The copyright page explicitly states 'Copyright © 1984 by Carrol B. Howe' and 'First Edition 1984'.

Story

Carrol B. Howe was a prominent educator and historian in Southern Oregon, instrumental in documenting the Klamath Basin's history and the early days of the Oregon Institute of Technology. Published in 1984, this work serves as a respected secondary source for mid-20th-century regional development in Oregon. Regional history books have a dedicated but narrow audience, primarily consisting of local historians, genealogists, and residents of the specific area (in this case, Southern Oregon and the Klamath Basin).

Maker / Origin

Carrol B. Howe

Condition & Value

Based on the visible photos, the front of the dust jacket appears intact, and the copyright page is clean, confirming the edition state. The presence of the original dust jacket is a strong positive for a 1980s hardcover, protecting the underlying boards.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

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

Market Analysis

Regional history books have a dedicated but narrow audience, primarily consisting of local historians, genealogists, and residents of the specific area (in this case, Southern Oregon and the Klamath Basin). Secondary market velocity is typically slow, with items selling steadily but infrequently on platforms like eBay or AbeBooks. Prices are generally capped by the limited national appeal, keeping most standard editions under $40 unless they feature significant associations or signatures.

Value Drivers

▲ Confirmed 1984 First Edition status establishes baseline collector interest

▲ Presence of the original dust jacket protects value and shelf appeal

▲ Niche regional subject matter (Klamath Basin) ensures steady, targeted demand

Concerns

▼ Unverified spine and back cover condition — tears or fading to the jacket would reduce appeal

▼ Unknown interior condition — highlighting, marginalia, or foxing would push value toward the $10 ex-library floor

▼ Lack of a confirmed author signature limits the immediate upside compared to the $35 comps

Best Venue

List on eBay or Amazon Marketplace, as these platforms capture the long-tail search traffic for specific regional history titles. A fast-sale price of $15 is appropriate, while an optimistic listing at $25-$30 could capture a buyer specifically seeking this Klamath Basin history. Check the title page or front endpapers for a signature before listing, as this could justify pricing at the top of the range.

Upside Potential

If the book is found to be signed or inscribed by Carrol B. Howe on the title page or front endpapers, the value range shifts toward the $30-$40 tier, aligning with the signed comps observed in the market.

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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.

  • Facebook Marketplace
    Sagebrush to Shakespeare Book
    Link could not be verified.
    $20