Discover the Value of Little Leather Library Books: A Guide for Collectors

Little Leather Library books typically have relatively low monetary value but can be highly collectible.

Little Leather Library Books Value

Little Leather Library Books are a unique and collectible series of miniature books. Originally published in the early 20th century, these books were designed to be owned by every family and traveled with them wherever they went. The unique miniature size of the books was meant to allow for easy storage and travel, making them Portable Libraries. The original libraries contained diverse editions from a wide variety of notable authors including William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Herman Melville and more. Nowadays, the Little Leather Library Books are a collector’s item, with some editions fetching incredibly high prices on the antiquarian market due to their rarity and quality craftsmanship. Whether you have a few of these miniature classics as part of your home library or whether you’re trying to value rare editions for insurance purposes, understanding the market for Little Leather Library Books is an important consideration.

History of Little Leather Library Books

Little Leather Library books were created in 1909 by Albert Boni and Harry Scherman, two publishers in New York. Their idea was to produce small books of quality literature that could be sold at a low price. Initially, these books were sold for 25 cents each, but later the price dropped to 10 cents. The Little Leather Library books were bound in real leather and printed on high quality paper. They featured famous authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Hawthorne and Poe. The Little Leather Library was a success and eventually became a household name.

Collectibility

Little Leather Library books are highly collectible due to their age and rarity. Many of these books have survived in excellent condition, making them highly sought after by collectors. The most sought after editions are those which have the original covers intact, as well as the original spine design. In addition, some of the more rare editions may contain handwritten notes or inscriptions from their original owners. Collectors may also look for edition numbers or special printing features that add value to the book.

Price Range

The prices of Little Leather Library books vary greatly depending on their edition and condition. Generally speaking, most editions range from $50-$200 USD for a single volume in good condition with a complete cover and spine intact. However, some rare editions can fetch much higher prices depending on their condition and edition number.

Where to Buy

Little Leather Library books can be purchased from antique book stores or online auction sites such as eBay or Amazon Marketplace. It is important to do research before purchasing a book as not all editions are considered collectible or valuable due to wear-and-tear or other factors that can lower the value of the book significantly. Additionally, buyers should make sure that they are purchasing an authentic Little Leather Library book rather than a reprint or facsimile copy.

History of Little Leather Library

Little Leather Library books were published between the years 1916 and 1932 by the Little Leather Library Corporation of New York. The company used a unique binding method that allowed them to produce small, hardcover books that were durable and easy to carry. The books were sold in drugstores, cigar stores, and other retail outlets for the price of five cents. They were also sold in sets of ten or more for a discounted rate.

The books themselves contained a variety of classic works from authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain, Longfellow, Homer and others. They also contained religious texts and popular fiction of the day. They were designed to be affordable to everyone and to be read anywhere at any time.

Types Of Little Leather Library Books

Little Leather Library books come in several different formats including:

• Classic Editions: These editions contained classic works from authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain, Longfellow, Homer and others.
• Religious Texts: These editions contained religious texts such as the Bible and popular religious writings.
• Popular Fiction: These editions contained popular works of fiction from authors such as Jack London, Jules Verne and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
• Children’s Books: These editions contained children’s stories from authors such as Lewis Carroll and Hans Christian Andersen.

The books were typically printed on lightweight paper with illustrations in black-and-white or sepia-toned colors. The illustrations were often created by artists associated with the company or by well-known illustrators like John Held Jr., who illustrated many of the Little Leather Library titles. The company also produced some titles that featured full-color illustrations on glossy paper.

Value Of Little Leather Library Books

Little Leather Library books are highly collectible due to their rarity and historical significance. Prices can vary depending on condition, edition type (classic editions are more valuable than religious texts), age (older editions are more valuable), and author (works by famous authors like Shakespeare or Dickens are more valuable). On average, individual books can range in value from $20-$200 depending on these factors. Sets of 10 or more can range in value from $100-$1000+.

In addition to their monetary value, many collectors consider Little Leather Library books to be part of our cultural heritage due to their impact on providing literacy and education to people who may not have had access otherwise. They are considered a valuable piece of history that is still relevant today due to their timeless stories and characters which continue to inspire readers around the world.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are Little Leather Library books?
A: Little Leather Library books were small, pocket-sized editions of classic literature produced by the Little Leather Library Corporation of New York City between 1916 and 1932. The books were bound in leather and measured about 2.5 by 4 inches, making them a convenient size for carrying in a pocket or purse.

Q: What is the value of Little Leather Library books?
A: The value of Little Leather Library books can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the edition, condition and scarcity. Generally, rare or early editions are more valuable than later or more common editions.

Q: How can I tell if my Little Leather Library book is valuable?
A: You can determine the value of your Little Leather Library book by researching similar copies sold at auction houses or on online sites like eBay or Amazon. It is also important to consider the condition of your book as well as its edition and scarcity when determining its value.

Q: Are all Little Leather Library books valuable?
A: Not all Little Leather Library books are valuable. Generally, rare or early editions are more valuable than later or more common editions. Additionally, the condition and scarcity of a book will also affect its value.

Q: How do I care for my Little Leather Library book?
A: To ensure your book remains in good condition and retains its value it is important to take proper care when handling it. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, avoid exposing it to moisture or humidity, keep it away from insects such as silverfish that may damage the leather binding and pages, and keep it away from any solvents such as acetone which may cause discoloration.

The value of Little Leather Library books varies depending on the edition, condition and rarity of the book. Generally, first editions with original dust jackets in good condition will be worth more than later editions without dust jackets. In addition, some titles are rarer than others and can fetch higher prices. Overall, the value of these books is determined by their condition and rarity, which can range from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.