AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vintage hardcover edition of the novel 'Also the Hills' by the popular 20th-century author Frances Parkinson Keyes. The image displays the copyright and dedication pages. According to the printed text, the book was copyrighted in 1943 by Frances Parkinson Keyes and this specific copy is identified as a 'Second Printing, November 1943.' It was published by Julian Messner, Inc., located at 8 West 40th Street, New York, and manufactured by the Montauk Book Manufacturing Co., Inc., New York. The paper is an off-white or light cream color, characteristic of World War II-era 'wartime' paper stock, which often had a slightly lower quality due to material shortages. The dedication page features a simple, centered inscription: 'To Doris Fleeson of whom I am very fond.' Regarding condition, the binding shows visible signs of distress with loose threads along the gutter/spine area, indicating the integrity of the binding is compromised. There is minor foxing or shelf wear visible on the page edges and light tanning throughout consistent with its age of approximately 80 years. No dust jacket is visible in the frame. The typography follows a classic mid-century style with clean serif fonts, reflecting the standard commercial publishing aesthetic of the 1940s.

I have conducted a professional examination of the digital images provided for the second printing (November 1943) of 'Also the Hills' by Frances Parkinson Keyes. This wartime edition was produced by Julian Messner, Inc. during a period characterized by lower-quality paper stock due to material shortages, which is evident in the visible tanning and fragility of the pages. Condition-wise, the volume is in 'Poor' to 'Fair' condition. The significant separation in the gutter and exposed threading at the spine indicate structural failure of the binding. Furthermore, the absence of the original dust jacket—a primary value driver for 1940s fiction—severely limits its collectibility. While Keyes was a prolific and popular novelist, her works were printed in high volume. A second printing lacks the 'true first edition' status preferred by bibliophiles, and this specific title is not currently in high demand. Comparables for this title in similar condition typically sell for nominal amounts at estate sales or used bookstores. Market demand is currently low for mid-century popular fiction unless the copy is a signed first edition or in 'Near Fine' condition with a crisp jacket. Limitations: This appraisal is based strictly on visual data. A physical inspection would be required to check for additional flaws such as mold, acidic 'burn,' or hidden signatures. As an appraiser, I cannot verify the integrity of the glue or the smell (indicating storage conditions) without a tactile assessment. For full authentication, provenance of ownership or a check for rare insert materials would be standard procedure.