Arabian Nights Entertainments publication circa 1892

Hello -

I've been going through many old family items including some of the books. Usually I can find a little history and get a sense of value by just spending a few minutes online searching and perusing the various book sites. I could have missed it, but I haven't been able to find any examples of this particular book being listed or previously sold. I did find a few postings various places on the publisher (F. M. Lupton) and being able to approximately-date the book based on the address listed for the publisher in the book. (In this example my great grandfather signed it and it is dated Dec 25 1892 so that helps quite a bit )

Does anyone have any more clues to the history of this publisher or the rarity (or lack thereof) of this edition? The front cover has "Avon Edition" inscribed on it. I was able to find a handful of other pieces of classic literature printed by this publisher in this timeframe that have similar art and the "Avon Edition" printed on it. Anyone know what an "Avon Edition" is or the history of this publisher using the term?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

I imagine you have already found this:

http://www.henryaltemus.com/lupton/

(For those just starting this research, do scroll down to the account of Lupton's death.)

This will have far more value for you as having come from your great grandfather than it will to anyone else. Collectors want volumes in much better condition than this, without the underlinings of a previous owner who means nothing to them. It does not have illustrations a print dealer might remove. There are as many editions of the Nights as there are tales. My non-expert advice: hang on to it as a way of touching the past.

 

This seems to be the same volume on abebooks.com.

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=7346805367&searchurl=kn=avon&sortby=17&tn=arabian+nights+entertainment&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1

Good advice above. An inexpensive edition of a much reprinted book with torn spine, page discoloration and handwritten notations in well-loved condition. Value is sentimental.

Debora

 

Excellent information - I had not seen that link you referenced, not sure how I missed it. This is exactly the kind of history I was interested in reading, thank you!

 

Lupton was a reprinter of public domain material, not terribly high quality. Avon has a literary odor, probably because of Shakepeare's Avon connection, and would have sounded high-toned in the day.

 

"Literary odor." Love it! i.e. Smelled high falutin.

Debora