Identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
Identification is definitively confirmed by the title page, which explicitly states the author (Theophile Gautier), publishers (The Heritage Press, New York / The Nonesuch Press, London), illustrator (André Dugo), and publication year (1944).
Story
This edition was published in 1944 as a joint venture between the Heritage Press in New York and the Nonesuch Press in London. Heritage Press was renowned for reissuing the high-end, limited-run titles of the Limited Editions Club in more affordable, yet still beautifully crafted, trade editions. The inclusion of André Dugo's hand-colored illustrations makes this a classic example of mid-century fine press accessibility. The secondary market for mid-century Heritage Press editions is stable but heavily saturated.
Maker / Origin
The Heritage Press / The Nonesuch Press
Condition & Value
The book retains its original cardboard slipcase, which is a critical baseline for Heritage Press valuations. However, a distinct black 'X' mark is visible on the upper left corner of the front cover, which introduces a noticeable condition penalty for collectors.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for mid-century Heritage Press editions is stable but heavily saturated. These books were produced in large numbers as accessible alternatives to the Limited Editions Club releases, meaning supply generally outpaces demand. Buyers are typically readers or casual collectors looking for decorative, well-bound classics rather than rare antiquarian investments. Copies complete with their original slipcases move steadily in the $15 to $25 range, while incomplete or heavily worn copies often languish.
▲ Original slipcase is present, avoiding the steep discount applied to orphaned copies.
▲ Exact 1944 Heritage Press edition with André Dugo illustrations verified.
▲ Strong comparable sales data establishes a firm, predictable market floor.
▼ Visible black 'X' defacement on the front cover limits appeal to strict collectors.
▼ Unverified presence of the original 'Sandglass' insert — missing ephemera removes a small completeness premium.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy, where decorative mid-century books perform best. A competitive list price of $18 to $20 is recommended, leaving room for offers while acknowledging the cover defacement. Ensure the listing clearly notes the 'X' mark on the cover and provides photos of the interior pages to reassure buyers of the text block's condition.
Upside Potential
If the interior is pristine and the original 'Sandglass' newsletter insert is confirmed to be tucked inside, the book could appeal to completeness-focused buyers and realize the $25 high end of the range. However, the cover defacement strictly caps the value below the $40+ ambitious dealer asking prices.
Also found — market-range context
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.