Preliminary identification

First Edition of 'You Read to Me, I'll Read to You' by John Ciardi, Illustrated by Edward Gorey

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a classic children's poetry book written by acclaimed American poet John Ciardi and brought to life by the iconic, delightfully macabre illustrations of Edward Gorey. The book features alternating poems meant to be read aloud by an adult and a child, creating a collaborative literary experience.

Story

In 1962, poet John Ciardi wrote these poems to get his own children reading. He paired up with Edward Gorey, whose eerie, Edwardian-style drawings turned a simple reading primer into a delightfully strange masterpiece.

Maker / Origin

John Ciardi was an influential American poet, translator of Dante, and etymologist who served as the poetry editor for the Saturday Review. Edward Gorey was a legendary American illustrator and writer known for his darkly humorous, Victorian-inspired pen-and-ink drawings. Gorey's unique aesthetic spawned a dedicated cult following and heavily influenced modern creators like Tim Burton.

Condition & Value

The dust jacket has significant damage, including a large torn-away section on the right side and smaller scuffs/losses along the title banners. The underlying book boards and interior pages are not visible but must be checked for writing, staining, or loose binding.

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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.