The Queen's Book of the Red Cross

This item is a 1939 first edition copy of 'The Queen's Book of the Red Cross,' a charitable anthology published by Hodder and Stoughton. The cover features a high-contrast black and white photographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) in profile, adorned with a tiara and sash. The portrait is framed by a stylized, curling ribbon border in cream and red, set against a deep blue background. The overall size appears to be a standard quarto. The book was produced as a fundraising effort at the outbreak of World War II, containing contributions from prominent Victorian and early 20th-century authors and artists like T.S. Eliot, Daphne du Maurier, and Rex Whistler. The construction is a typical hardcover with a printed paper dust jacket or cover overlay. In terms of condition, the item shows significant wear, particularly at the edges; there are visible tears and creases at the bottom left corner and top center edge. The paper shows signs of age-related yellowing and foxing, with losses to the printed surface along the spine and periphery. The craftsmanship of the layout reflects the late Art Deco influence prevalent in British publishing during the late 1930s. Despite the condition issues, the book remains a significant piece of wartime memorabilia and royal history.

I have examined the digital image of the 1939 edition of 'The Queen’s Book of the Red Cross'. Authenticity appears correct based on the typography, Hodder and Stoughton branding, and the specific high-contrast photographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth. The book is a notable wartime anthology featuring contributors like T.S. Eliot and Cecil Beaton, making it a cross-collectible for royal enthusiasts, literary fans, and military historians. My assessment of the condition reveals significant structural and aesthetic fatigue. The paper dust jacket/cover shows major edge wear, including losses at the spine and corner tearing, which is common for wartime economy paper. Age-related foxing and yellowing are present. In the current antiquarian market, millions of these books were produced as relief efforts; consequently, they are not rare. Valuation is heavily dependent on the presence of the dust jacket and the overall cleanliness, which in this case is below average. Comparables for copies in 'Good' to 'Very Good' condition typically sell for $30-$50. Rare signed editions or copies with pristine jackets can fetch more, but the damage noted here limits the ceiling to the lower double digits. Limitations: This appraisal is based on a visual image. I cannot assess the tight/loose nature of the binding, internal foxing on all pages, or the presence of specific plates without a physical inspection. A full authentication would require checking the sequence of inclusions (plates) and verifying the absence of library stamps. No scientific testing is required for this volume, but provenance regarding its original owner could potentially add historical interest.