Hawthorne Book Appraisal

Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Reader's Library Edition)

This item is an antique or vintage copy of "Tanglewood Tales" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published by J.H. Sears & Company, Inc., New York, as part of "The Reader's Library" series. The book features a red paper or cloth board cover, visible along the fore-edge, suggesting a compact size designed for easy handling and portability, as indicated by the description of "The Reader's Library" series which states books are "easily held in the hand" and "go naturally into the pocket." The physical characteristics include cream-colored or off-white paper for the internal pages. The typography is clear and legible. The design elements on the title page and the introductory page for "The Reader's Library" feature an architectural border resembling gothic or Romanesque arches in a repeated pattern, adding a decorative yet understated aesthetic. The book's condition appears used, with visible wear to the edges of the pages, particularly the outer edges and corners, indicating handling and age. There are no obvious tears, significant stains, or major structural damage visible in the provided image, but the overall patina suggests an older publication. The binding appears intact from the visible spine edge. Based on the publisher and series description, this book was likely produced in the early to mid-20th century, probably between the 1900s and 1930s, a period when such compact reading series were popular. The quality of craftsmanship, while utilitarian for a mass-produced library series, seems well-executed for its purpose of providing accessible literature.