Eleanor H Porter Appraisal

Signed First Impression Copy of Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter (1913)

This is a first impression copy of the classic 1913 children's novel 'Pollyanna', authored by Eleanor H. Porter and published by L.C. Page & Company. The book features its original grey-blue cloth covered boards with a distinctive textured, basket-weave pattern. The front cover displays the title 'POLLYANNA' in a decorative gilt cartouche with Art Nouveau-inspired flourishes, and the author's name is embossed in gold at the bottom. Physically, the book shows significant signs of age and wear consistent with its century-old status; the cloth is frayed at the spine head and corners, and there is visible fading and darkening of the cover material. The gilt lettering remains legible though slightly dulled. A critical value-adding feature is the author's signature, Eleanor H. Porter, dated March 1913, which aligns with the initial release period of the first edition. The construction is a standard hardcover binding of the early 20th century. The interior pages likely show the expected foxing and toning associated with the paper quality of that era. This specific edition is highly collectible as it represents the first appearance of one of the most famous characters in children's literature, with the added rarity of a contemporaneous authorial signature.