Preliminary identification

The Clausewitz Casyndekan: Conceptual Index to Clausewitz's On War, c.1969

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a fascinating and incredibly scarce artifact from the dawn of digital humanities: a computer-generated conceptual index of Carl von Clausewitz's seminal military treatise 'On War'. Published in 1969, it represents one of the earliest attempts to use mainframe computing power to map, cross-reference, and analyze complex philosophical and strategic concepts.

Story

In 1969, researchers used massive mainframe computers to map the complex philosophy of military strategist Carl von Clausewitz. This book is a physical relic of that pioneering moment, bridging 19th-century warfare theory with the dawn of the digital information age.

Maker / Origin

Casyndekan Inc. was a short-lived, pioneering information retrieval company based in Colorado during the late 1960s. They specialized in creating 'casyndetic' indexes—complex systems of cross-references—using early mainframe computers to analyze dense academic and historical texts long before the invention of the modern internet.

Condition & Value

The cover shows moderate shelf wear, edge rubbing, and minor creasing consistent with its age and use in an academic or library setting. The spine and binding appear intact, though some fading is present. Excellent, crisp interior pages would push this toward the higher end of the value range.

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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 comps
Regional 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.