Selected Poems by Robert Browning (Pocket Classic Edition)
Decorative Art / Book Arts; Hardcover printed volume • Published by Macmillan (Pocket Classics series); Author: Robert Browning
Style & Movement
Art Deco influenced utilitarian book design; Mid-century mass-market educational publishing
Medium & Technique
Cased-in binding with coarse-weave cloth (linen or buckram), stamped gilt or yellow pigment lettering, and printed black ink decorative bands and logos.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1930-1960
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 7 x 4.5 inches (Pocket/Library size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A collection of poetry by Victorian poet Robert Browning. The spine features the title, author's name, and the 'Pocket Classic' series branding in a minimalist, academic layout.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; Shows significant signs of use and library processing.
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $20 USD (as part of a multi-volume lot)
Provenance History
Former public or school library acquisition, indicated by the '821.8 BRO' Dewey Decimal classification sticker on the lower spine, marked with a black 'X' denoting withdrawal from the collection.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the democratization of literature through standardized, durable 'schoolroom' editions of classic poets during the mid-20th century.
Notable Features
Deaccessioned library markings (Dewey Decimal sticker) and original Macmillan 'Pocket Classic' series branding.
Condition Issues
Fraying of cloth at the spine ends (head and tail), significant sun-fading/discoloration of the spine cloth, adhesive residue from library labels, and soiled texture on the fabric.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a temperature-controlled, low-light environment to prevent further UV degradation of the spine; professional removal of adhesive stickers is possible but may exceed the book's value.