How old is this book, then?
Discussion
Every single book I've come across in my life has had a date of publication printed somewhere on the pages between the front cover and the start of the text. All except one:
A rather old copy of Tom Brown's Schooldays, handed down through the family to me years ago. I have looked through every page both before and after the story many times, but have yet to find any identifying mark of age. There are the usual logos of the publishers, but no date of publication or reprinting.
I find it most odd, and I wonder - can anyone identify (even approximately) the year of this book please?
A rather old copy of Tom Brown's Schooldays, handed down through the family to me years ago. I have looked through every page both before and after the story many times, but have yet to find any identifying mark of age. There are the usual logos of the publishers, but no date of publication or reprinting.
I find it most odd, and I wonder - can anyone identify (even approximately) the year of this book please?
1939 to 1977 according to the publisher's address and this site: http://www.vintagepopupbooks.com/Dean_Son_Publishe...
TVR Sagaris said:
1939 to 1977 according to the publisher's address and this site: http://www.vintagepopupbooks.com/Dean_Son_Publishe...
From the photos I'd say probably on the earlier side of that, maybe getting closer to the 1950s, but it's difficult to tell from just photos (and I'm a bit rusty as it's been a while since I went vintage book shopping).Thanks for all the info, the knowledge base of PH never fails to astound me 
Interesting to hear it should have a dust jacket - its never had one for as long as I've seen it and the thought never crossed my mind. The value is to be expected I suppose for what is presumably a much- printed book, mind you as a family hand me down it's unlikely it would ever be sold.
I suppose I should actually get round to reading it at some point! I got to chapter 3 when I was in primary school, but gave up as it was a bit heavy going for someone more used to Reading Tree books...
Interesting to hear it should have a dust jacket - its never had one for as long as I've seen it and the thought never crossed my mind. The value is to be expected I suppose for what is presumably a much- printed book, mind you as a family hand me down it's unlikely it would ever be sold.
I suppose I should actually get round to reading it at some point! I got to chapter 3 when I was in primary school, but gave up as it was a bit heavy going for someone more used to Reading Tree books...
TBS is a classic so there are literally millions copies about, prob billions!
And there were heaps of publishers of this book. Dean and Son Ltd just one of many - just as likely to be listed under Purnell and Sons.
Rarity is only if perhaps signed by Hughes.
Even then possibly not, there is a copy for sale now with a added letter from a reader showing his concern at bullying! and the response by Hughes himself.
It's priced well under a tenner! Makes yours in the 50p bracket I suspect. Sorry!
Many do not have a publication date. I reckon yours is 1960 ish.
Some were different cloth colours. It should have an ISBN which is the best identifier to the edition.
It's funny what people think are valuable where books are concerned. Age is usually not a determiner. Print run is and rarity. And of cours, author.
One book I published in 1990 (so not very old) and even reprinted same year sold for £17.95, has fetched or gets asked in the £300-£500 bracket. Print run total around 2000. Bloody mad! But that's life. Some 'modern' books inc motoring and motor racing can be worth a few bob - mainstream stuff rarely. Unless someone dies, take M Jackson after his death it went a bit silly. I sold one for nigh on a £100 the week after he passed away - it had cost me a fiver. Today it would be less than a fiver.
Trials and tribulations of a publisher. And the readers!
Anyway, back to TBS, some did have a dustjacket.
And there were heaps of publishers of this book. Dean and Son Ltd just one of many - just as likely to be listed under Purnell and Sons.
Rarity is only if perhaps signed by Hughes.
Even then possibly not, there is a copy for sale now with a added letter from a reader showing his concern at bullying! and the response by Hughes himself.
It's priced well under a tenner! Makes yours in the 50p bracket I suspect. Sorry!
Many do not have a publication date. I reckon yours is 1960 ish.
Some were different cloth colours. It should have an ISBN which is the best identifier to the edition.
It's funny what people think are valuable where books are concerned. Age is usually not a determiner. Print run is and rarity. And of cours, author.
One book I published in 1990 (so not very old) and even reprinted same year sold for £17.95, has fetched or gets asked in the £300-£500 bracket. Print run total around 2000. Bloody mad! But that's life. Some 'modern' books inc motoring and motor racing can be worth a few bob - mainstream stuff rarely. Unless someone dies, take M Jackson after his death it went a bit silly. I sold one for nigh on a £100 the week after he passed away - it had cost me a fiver. Today it would be less than a fiver.
Trials and tribulations of a publisher. And the readers!
Anyway, back to TBS, some did have a dustjacket.
Edited by dandarez on Saturday 19th April 14:51
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