Short Story Collection Appraisal

Selected Stories from Canadian Prose (1945)

This item is an antique or vintage book titled "Selected Stories from Canadian Prose," published as part of "St. Martin's Classics." The title page, as visible, is printed on off-white or cream-colored paper, indicative of its age. The primary text is black, presented in a clear, traditional serif font. A decorative border, composed of intricate geometric patterns and small squares, frames the entire text block, adding a touch of classic design. At the top, "St. Martin's Classics" is underlined. Below the main title, a stylized publisher's colophon features the text "THE MACMILLAN IN CANADA," suggesting its origin. Further down, it states, "AUTHORIZED FOR USE IN THE PROVINCES OF ALBERTA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA," indicating it might have been an educational text or widely distributed within these Canadian regions. The publisher is identified as "TORONTO: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY OF CANADA LIMITED, AT ST. MARTIN'S HOUSE," and the publication year is clearly marked as 1945. The paper shows signs of aging, with a soft yellowing or browning, particularly noticeable along the edges and near the spine, contributing to its patina. The open binding visible on the left side suggests the book has been well-used or handled over time, but no severe tears or stains are apparent on the visible page. The overall aesthetic is one of a well-preserved, classic academic or literary publication from the mid-20th century.