The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Second Edition

This item is a hardcover reference book titled The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, specifically identified as the Second Edition. The visible title page is printed in bold, dark serif font on off-white or cream-colored paper stock typical of mid-20th-century publishing. Prominently featured on the page is the publisher's device, an oval crest containing the Latin text 'UNIV. OXONIENSIS' surrounding a shield with an open book displaying the university motto 'DOM MINA NUS TIO ILLU MEA', flanked by three crowns. Below the crest, the publisher is identified as 'OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS'. The overall condition of the displayed page appears clean, well-preserved, and structurally sound, showing minimal discoloration or foxing, which aligns with the user-supplied note stating the item is in excellent condition. This user-supplied attribution and condition claim remain unverified by physical inspection. The typography, layout, and publishing marks are consistent with mid-century printings from this prestigious press, although specific publication years or edition scarcity cannot be fully determined from the title page alone without inspecting the copyright page. The identification of the book rests entirely on the clearly legible title text and publisher emblem displayed directly in the image.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this item is a hardcover reference book titled The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, bearing publisher markings and typography consistent with mid-20th-century Oxford University Press editions. Per user submission, the item is stated to be in excellent condition. I can't verify the physical condition, paper integrity, or binding quality from a photo alone, and would need physical inspection to confirm the presence of dust jackets, internal foxing, or structural wear. The owner identifies this as the Second Edition. Treating this identification as a working assumption, comparable copies of mid-century Oxford reference books typically trade within the $15 to $35 range, depending heavily on the presence of an intact dust jacket and overall preservation. General market demand for older general reference dictionaries is relatively modest, as they are largely superseded by digital resources, though collectible interest persists for vintage typography and decorative library sets. If physical inspection reveals that the book is a later reprint, a facsimile, or subject to significant condition issues like moisture damage, the value would likely drop to the $5 to $10 range or typical bulk decorative book pricing. To more fully evaluate the item, an in-person examination of the copyright page to determine the exact printing year, assessment of paper acidity, and verification of binding integrity would be necessary.