The Value of a 1950 Box Set of The Chronicles of Narnia: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you in possession of a rare 1950 box set of The Chronicles of Narnia, and are you curious about its value? This guide will help you comprehend the intricacies of determining the worth of your book collection and provide you with a step-by-step approach to estimating its monetary value.

Understanding the Publishing Timeline

The exact dates of publication for each book in The Chronicles of Narnia are as follows:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - 1950 Prince Caspian - 1951 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 1952 The Silver Chair - 1953 The Horse and His Boy - 1954 The Magician's Nephew - 1955 The Last Battle - 1956

It is important to note that your box set dates to 1950, which is the year of the first book's release. However, book collectors often seek boxed sets, so you might have a Penguin paperback set from the 1960s or 1970s, or even a hardback boxed set from the late 1950s.

Types of Box Sets

There are several types of box sets of The Chronicles of Narnia that you might possess:

Bles Bodley Head Leather-bound Edition: A premium, leather-bound set published in 1950. These books are highly sought after by collectors. First Edition: Checking the copyright page for the digits, particularly the digit 1, can help determine if your set is a first edition. This significantly impacts the value. Signed by the Author: A signed first edition by C.S. Lewis can dramatically increase its value.

Condition Matters

The condition of your books can greatly influence their value. Here's what different labels mean:

As New: The book is in pristine condition, having never been shelved, thumbed, or even opened. This is rare and valuable. Fine (F or FN): The book is in excellent condition with only minor signs of wear. It is close to being 'as new,' but not completely. Very Good (VG): The book shows some small signs of wear, but no major defects. It is a commonly found condition for used books. Good (G): The book is average and slightly worn, but still complete. However, it has some signs of wear.

Your description of "very good condition" may be specific to you, but it is always best to describe the set accurately following the condition guide from reputable sources.

Current Market Value

To determine the value of your box set, it is crucial to check the current market prices. Popular platforms such as Abebooks and eBay provide valuable insights:

Abebooks

As of now, first-edition signed copies of The Chronicles of Narnia are asking prices in the five figures:

Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (1950 edition) - Asks for amounts in the five-figure range.

However, these are asking prices, not necessarily selling prices. Many listings remain unsold for years.

eBay

Checking eBay listings, particularly 'sold listings,' can give you a better idea of actual selling prices:

Bodley Head Lewis Chronicles of Narnia.

UK Market

The UK market appears to have little recent activity for sets like yours. However, a recent auction of a first-edition 'The Magician's Nephew' set for ￡410 suggests a 4-figure price range for box sets, given the active interest in the series.

Steps to Determine Your Set's Value

1. **Describe Your Set:** Provide detailed information about your box set, including whether it is leather-bound, the edition, and the condition.

2. **Find Nearest Asking Price:** Use platforms like Abebooks and eBay to find listings that match your set. Look at the asking prices and condition descriptions.

3. **Set Your Selling Price:** Use the nearest asking price as a reference and adjust it based on your set's specific details.

4. **Find a Buyer:** List your set on Abebooks or eBay. Remember that while Abebooks gets higher prices, eBay often sells much faster.

Best of luck in finding a buyer for your valuable set!