Overview
This is an early American printing of the definitive biography of the pioneering scientist Marie Curie, written by her youngest daughter, Eve Curie.
Identification
Madame Curie: A Biography by Eve Curie, 1939 Printing
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Written by Eve Curie, Marie Curie's youngest daughter, this biography was originally published in 1937 and quickly became the definitive account of the pioneering scientist's life. The American edition was published by Doubleday, Doran & Company and translated by Vincent Sheean. Its widespread popularity led to numerous printings in the late 1930s and 1940s. The secondary market for early-to-mid 20th-century mass-market biographies is highly saturated, with supply generally outpacing demand.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the provided description, the classic textured brown cloth cover and stylized monogram appear intact. Value in this tier is heavily dependent on the absence of major structural defects like detached boards, severe foxing, or missing pages.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for early-to-mid 20th-century mass-market biographies is highly saturated, with supply generally outpacing demand. Buyers are typically casual readers, history enthusiasts, or decorators looking for vintage bindings, rather than serious rare book collectors. Copies move steadily but at accessible price points, primarily on broad online marketplaces like eBay, AbeBooks, and Etsy.
Value Drivers
▲ Exact title and publisher match to verified secondary market sales anchoring the $15-$25 range
▲ Presence of the original 1929 frontispiece portrait and stylized 'MC' monogram binding
▲ Early pre-WWII printing date (1939) adds modest vintage appeal over later mid-century reprints
Concerns
▼ Lack of a dust jacket limits collector appeal and caps the high-end estimate
Best Venue
Given the modest market value, this item is best suited for direct-to-consumer online platforms like eBay, Etsy, or AbeBooks. List with a Buy-It-Now price around $20-$25, highlighting the vintage 1930s binding and the 'MC' monogram for decorative appeal. Ensure photos clearly show the spine condition and the 1929 frontispiece portrait to attract buyers.
Upside Potential
If the book retains its original, unclipped 1930s dust jacket in very good condition, the range could shift closer to $40-$60, as intact pre-WWII jackets are scarce and highly sought by collectors.
▾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.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
- UHR BooksMadame Curie - A Biography by Curie, Eve; Translated By Vincent Sheean (1939)Link could not be verified.$10