28 Science Fiction Stories of H.G. Wells
Dover Publications · Books & Media > Antiquarian & Collectible
Era / Decade
Early 1950s (likely 1952 edition based on blue cloth binding and typography)
Material
Hardcover cloth binding (buckram), paper-bound acidic-free stock, black ink stamping on spine
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible fraying at the head of the spine, significant corner wear (bumping), and shelf wear on the boards. Notable sun-fading on the spine (color shift from green-blue). Likely lacks original dust jacket.
Demand Level
Moderate. Steady demand from science fiction completionsits and vintage book collectors; niche 'Dark Academia' aesthetic interest.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$15.00 - $45.00 (Low: $15 for worn copy, Mid: $25 for standard collectibility, High: $45 for very clean copies)
Estimated Retail Value
$25.00 - $35.00 (Adjusted for modern retail equivalent of a deluxe omnibus hardcover)
Comparable Sales
Recent sales of this Dover edition without dust jacket range from $18 to $28 plus shipping. Copies with original dust jackets in good condition can fetch $60+.
Description
Vintage 1950s hardcover edition of '28 Science Fiction Stories' by H.G. Wells. This omnibus includes complete novels 'The Time Machine' and 'The Invisible Man,' plus 26 short stories. Features a durable blue-green cloth binding with black lettering. A foundational collection for sci-fi enthusiasts.
Key Features
Includes two full-length classic novels; Dover early editions are highly collectible for their sturdy construction; HG Wells remains a 'blue-chip' author for vintage book collectors; nostalgic aesthetic for shelf decor.
Authenticity Indicators
Typography and binding style match Dover early omnibus series; thick, heavy book block consistent with mid-century 900+ page editions. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Missing dust jacket; spine head is frayed/chipped; corners are bumped showing board underneath; significant fading/discoloration on the spine; likely foxing/yellowing on interior pages.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching book collectors), Etsy (if marketed as vintage decor), or specialized used bookstores (AbeBooks).
Selling Tips
Photograph the title page and copyright page to confirm the year. Mention 'Free Media Mail Shipping' to attract eBay buyers. Use keywords like 'Classic Sci-Fi', 'Dover Publications', and 'Omnibus'.