Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic of American historical fiction, this novel depicts the struggles of frontier settlers in the Mohawk Valley during the American Revolution. This specific copy is a very early printing, evidenced by the extensive list of reprintings within its first year of publication.
Story
Published in 1936, this book became an instant sensation, staying on bestseller lists for two years. It captured the American spirit during the Depression by looking back at the grit of the Revolutionary frontier.
Maker / Origin
Walter D. Edmonds was a master of historical detail who grew up in the Mohawk Valley, often using his own family's history as inspiration. He is best known for bringing the 'everyman' perspective of the American Revolution to life through meticulous research.
Condition & Value
The book shows typical shelf wear and some fading to the spine. The interior pages appear clean, but the lack of the original dust jacket is the primary factor in its valuation. Condition is fair to good. While a true first edition (July 1936) with a dust jacket can fetch hundreds, this is a later 1937 printing without its jacket.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.