A Treasury of the World's Great Letters
Decorative Art / Bookbinding (Hardcover Book) • Edited by M. Lincoln Schuster; Published by Simon & Schuster
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Functionalist / Art Deco influence
Medium & Technique
Cloth-bound hardcover with gold foil stamping and black ink inlay on buckram or woven bookcloth
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (Circa 1940)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 6 inches; Rectangular portrait orientation
Subject Description
An anthology of historical and notable correspondence from various figures throughout history, presented in a formal, classical typographic layout. The cover features a red textured cloth with a black rectangular field containing the title in gold script.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; Visible wear to the spine, fraying at the head and tail, and sun-bleaching/fading of the cloth cover.
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial publication; likely personal ownership through mid-to-late 20th century domestic libraries.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a popular mid-century compilation that democratized access to historical primary documents. It reflects the era's focus on humanistic education and the curation of Western literary canon.
Notable Features
Distinctive calligraphic script for the title; surviving example of Simon & Schuster's mid-century house style for large anthologies.
Condition Issues
Notable scuffing on the edges, softening of the corners, fading of the red pigment to a brownish-orange hue, and typical shelf wear for a book of this age.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in a pH-neutral, acid-free environment; keep away from direct UV light to prevent further fading; handle with clean hands to avoid oil transfer to the cloth.