Identification

1983 First Edition "Miriam: A Novel" by Lois T. Henderson

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

The item is definitively identified by the provided images of the cover and copyright page. The copyright page explicitly states 'FIRST EDITION' and features a complete number line ending in '1', confirming it is a first printing published in 1983 by Harper & Row.

Story

Lois T. Henderson was a recognized author of biblical fiction, frequently focusing her narratives on the lives of women in the Bible. This title was published by Harper & Row in 1983, a major traditional publishing house, which indicates a substantial initial print run and wide distribution. The secondary market for 1980s biblical fiction is highly saturated and primarily driven by readers rather than collectors. Buyers typically seek out reading copies on general marketplaces like eBay, AbeBooks, and Amazon.

Maker / Origin

Harper & Row

Condition & Value

The value assumes the book and dust jacket are in standard 'Good' to 'Very Good' used condition for their age, with normal shelf wear and minor page toning. The book and dust jacket appear to be in good to very good vintage condition, with crisp interior pages and minor handling/shelf wear to the jacket edges.

Full Research

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

Market Analysis

The secondary market for 1980s biblical fiction is highly saturated and primarily driven by readers rather than collectors. Buyers typically seek out reading copies on general marketplaces like eBay, AbeBooks, and Amazon. Because initial print runs were large, supply easily outpaces demand, keeping prices flat and generally under $10.

Value Drivers

▲ Confirmed First Edition, First Printing status

▲ Presence of the original dust jacket

▲ Hardcover format, which is preferred over paperback for reading copies

Concerns

▼ Lack of broader collector demand for this specific author/title caps the high-end value

▼ Unverified interior condition; heavy marginalia or highlighting would reduce it to a low-end reading copy

Best Venue

Given the low individual market value, consider bundling this title with other biblical or historical fiction books to create a more attractive lot that justifies shipping costs. If listing individually, price competitively at $5 to $8 on eBay or Amazon Used for a faster sale.

Upside Potential

If the book is discovered to be signed or inscribed by the author, it could appeal to a dedicated fan and push the value slightly higher into the $15 to $25 range.