American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening
DK (Dorling Kindersley) · Books & Media > Non-fiction > Reference > Gardening
Era / Decade
Published originally in 1993; this spine style indicates a mid-1990s edition.
Material
Hardcover with cloth-textured binding, gold foil stamping, and high-quality glossy paper.
Condition
Good to Very Good. The spine shows light fading and minor bumping at the head and foot; however, the gold foil remains bright and the binding appears tight. Absence of the dust jacket reduces value.
Demand Level
Moderate. Gardening books have a steady niche audience, but older versions face competition from newer updated editions and digital resources.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$10.00 - $25.00
Estimated Retail Value
$50.00 - $60.00
Comparable Sales
Similar hardcover editions without dust jackets consistently sell for $12-$18 on eBay. Copies with original dust jackets in mint condition can reach $30.
Description
A comprehensive guide to gardening featuring expert advice from the American Horticultural Society. Edited by Christopher Brickell and Elvin McDonald, this DK-published encyclopedia is a staple for serious gardeners, covering techniques, plant selection, and design. Brown cloth hardcover with elegant gold gilt lettering on the spine.
Key Features
Authoritative brand (AHS), DK's renowned high-quality photography and diagrams, giftable aesthetic for garden enthusiasts, and massive content breadth (over 600 pages).
Authenticity Indicators
DK logo and AHS seal clearly visible on the spine. High-quality heavy-weight paper interior is characteristic of original editions. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Missing dust jacket (significant for book collectors), slight shelf wear on the spine edges, and potential yellowing of page edges depending on storage.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay, Amazon Marketplace (used), or Facebook Marketplace. Better suited for a local sale to avoid heavy Media Mail shipping costs if profit margins are thin.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Garden Reference,' 'AHS,' and 'Horticulture.' Take photos of the interior illustrations/diagrams to showcase DK's quality. Ship via USPS Media Mail to keep costs low. Best sold in Spring during the peak gardening season.