Antiquarian-style Illustrated Book (1995 Edition)

This is a copyright and credits page from a modern children's or illustrated book, specifically the 1995 edition published by Courage Books, an imprint of Running Press. The page is printed on heavy-weight, off-white or cream-colored bond paper with a slight texture, mimicking a classic library aesthetic. The typography is set in 'Caslon Antique' by Justin T. Scott, contributing to a historical, vintage feel. Key identifiers include the ISBN (1-56138-476-3) and Library of Congress Cataloging Number (95-67238). The illustrations for this work were created by Christian Birmingham, with interior design by Frances J. Soo Ping Chow. Notably, the number line '9 8 7 6 5 4' indicates that this specific copy is a fourth printing of the 1995 edition. The book was printed in China. The condition appears to be excellent for a soft-cover or hard-cover interior page, with no visible foxing, tearing, or significant yellowing, though a slight shadow in the lower left corner suggests the page is being held open manually for the photograph. The manufacturing high quality is evident in the choice of serif typography and clean layout, typical of mid-90s high-end children's literature illustrators like Birmingham, known for his soft, pastel-style artwork.

I have examined the digital image of the copyright and credits page for this 1995 edition of a Courage Books (Running Press) publication. Based on the typography and layout, I can confirm this is a fourth printing of a mass-produced modern volume, not an antiquarian original. The choice of 'Caslon Antique' font and cream-colored bond paper are stylistic flourishes intended to evoke a historical aesthetic, rather than indicators of age. The physical condition appears excellent; the paper lacks the foxing or acidic brittleness common in true vintage manuscripts, and the inks remain sharp and stable. From a market perspective, this is a contemporary trade edition. Values for Christian Birmingham-illustrated books from this era typically reside in the $10 to $25 range, depending on whether it is the hardcover or softcover variant. While Birmingham’s pastel work is highly regarded in the field of children’s literature, the 'fourth printing' status (indicated by the 9 8 7 6 5 4 number line) significantly limits its appeal to serious bibliophiles or first-edition collectors. The item is common in the secondary market (e.g., eBay, AbeBooks). Please note that this appraisal is based solely on a visual inspection of a single page. A full valuation would require an in-person examination to verify the integrity of the binding, the presence of a dust jacket, and to ensure no internal pages are missing or defaced. Without physical handling, I cannot definitively assess the paper's weight or identify potential scent-based indicators of mold or improper storage. No scientific testing or formal provenance is required for an item of this modern vintage and production volume.