Overview
A masterwork of paper engineering, this volume is part of the acclaimed Encyclopedia Mythologica series. It features intricate, multi-layered pop-ups that bring legendary creatures to life with stunning architectural precision.
Preliminary identification
Encyclopedia Mythologica: Dragons & Monsters Pop-Up Book
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Released in 2011, this book represents the pinnacle of the 'pop-up renaissance.' Sabuda and Reinhart transformed simple cardstock into a 3D cinematic experience. It turned reading into a tactile exploration of global folklore.
Maker / Origin
Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart are the 'rock stars' of the pop-up world, known for pushing the physical limits of paper. Their collaboration combined scholarly research with complex folding mechanisms that often require hundreds of manual assembly steps per book.
Condition & Value
The spine shows minor shelf wear. The value depends entirely on whether the internal pop-ups are fully functional without tears or 'tired' folds. Any damage to the paper hinges significantly reduces value. Value is driven by the condition of the delicate paper mechanisms.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
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.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.