Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
The item is clearly identifiable as a book. The provided images include a clear shot of the copyright page, which provides explicit and verifiable metadata: the title ('Celtic Civilization'), author ('Jean Markale'), publisher ('Gordon & Cremonesi Publishers'), and the specific publication year for this English translation ('1978'). The ISBN (0-86033-045-1) is also visible, confirming the exact edition.
Story
Jean Markale was a prominent French author and poet known for his extensive writings on Celtic civilization and Arthurian legend. This 1978 edition by Gordon & Cremonesi Publishers represents the first English translation of his landmark 1976 work, 'Les Celtes et la Civilisation Celtique'. The striking gold-gilt cover featuring La Tène style motifs adds a layer of aesthetic appeal for collectors of Celtic art and history.
Maker / Origin
Gordon & Cremonesi Publishers
Condition & Value
Based on the provided details, the book features a gold-gilt illustrated cover. Any loss to the dust jacket or significant wear to the gilt binding will push the value toward the lower end of the range. The book shows light shelf wear to the edges and corners of the cover. The gold foil stamping remains bright and largely intact.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for mid-century and late-20th-century academic translations of Celtic history is steady but niche, primarily driven by students, researchers, and enthusiasts of Celtic mythology. Copies in standard reading condition move reliably on broad platforms like eBay, while pristine or first-edition copies are typically listed by specialty antiquarian sellers on AbeBooks or Biblio. Prices are generally modest, as the text has been reprinted and is widely available, meaning premiums are strictly tied to the condition of the original 1978 hardcover and its dust jacket.
▲ Confirmed 1978 First English Translation status via copyright page anchors collector interest.
▲ Presence of the original dust jacket in Very Good condition is critical for realizing the $25+ tier.
▲ Aesthetic appeal of the gold-gilt La Tène style cover design adds crossover interest for art collectors.
▼ Unverified dust jacket condition — missing or heavily torn jackets drop the value to the $15 reading-copy floor.
Best Venue
List the book on a broad marketplace like eBay or a specialized book platform like AbeBooks if you have an established seller account. Price at $25-$30 for a steady sale, ensuring clear photographs of the dust jacket, the gilt cover beneath, and the copyright page to confirm the 1978 first English edition status. If the dust jacket is missing or heavily damaged, bundle it with other Celtic history books or list it closer to $15 as a reading copy.
Upside Potential
If the copy is in pristine, unread condition with a flawless, unclipped dust jacket, or if it bears a verified signature or inscription from the author or translator, it could reach or slightly exceed the $35-$40 retail ceiling.