Leaves of Grass, Complete and Unabridged, Illustrated by Rockwell Kent
The Heritage Press · Books & Media > Antiquarian & Collectible
Era / Decade
1930s (specifically 1936)
Material
Hardcover bound in green cloth with gold-stamped (gilt) illustrations and lettering; standard book paper stock.
Condition
Good. Visible fading (sunning) on the spine changing from blue-green to a brownish-teal. Minor fraying at the spine ends and corners. Hinges appear intact but would need internal verification.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a steady market for Rockwell Kent illustrated items and classic poetry, though Heritage Press editions are common.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $15 - Mid: $30 - High: $50 (higher end requires the original slipcase and sandglass insert)
Estimated Retail Value
$40.00 - $60.00 (comparable high-quality modern collector editions such as Folio Society)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for this specific edition without a slipcase typically range from $18 to $35. Copies with the original slipcase can fetch $45-$65 depending on condition.
Description
A beautiful collectible edition of Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' published by The Heritage Press in 1936. This volume features iconic woodcut-style illustrations by the renowned artist Rockwell Kent. The spine is decorated with gold-stamped grass motifs and clear gilt lettering. This is the complete and unabridged version of the classic American poetry collection.
Key Features
Features illustrations by Rockwell Kent, a highly collected 20th-century artist; Heritage Press editions are known for high production quality and aesthetic appeal for bookshelf staging.
Authenticity Indicators
Gilt lettering on the spine clearly identifies the 'Heritage' imprint and Rockwell Kent as illustrator. The cloth texture and typography are consistent with mid-1930s Heritage Press productions. High confidence.
Flaws to Note
Significant sun-fading on the spine (common for this green cloth); wear to the head and tail of the spine; missing the original protective slipcase which significantly impacts collector value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching book collectors), Etsy (good for vintage decor/aesthetic buyers), or specialized used bookstores (AbeBooks/Alibris).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Rockwell Kent', 'Heritage Press', and 'Vintage Poetry' in your title. Photograph the interior illustrations as these are the main selling point. Ship using USPS Media Mail to keep costs low. Mention if the book has a 'musty' smell or if it's odor-free.