The Good Earth
Pearl S. Buck
📚 Genre
Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
🏢 Publisher
International Collectors Library (ICL)
📅 Publication Year
Circa 1950s-1970s (Original publication 1931)
🔢 ISBN
N/A (Pre-ISBN design or specifically for ICL)
About This Book
A classic novel depicting family life in a Chinese village before World War I. It follows the life of Wang Lung, a humble farmer, and his wife O-Lan as they struggle through poverty, famine, and eventual wealth, exploring themes of the land, duty, and social change. The cover features a burgundy/maroon faux-leather binding with ornate 24kt gold-stamped geometric Art Deco-inspired patterns.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
Approximately 320-350 pages
Edition
International Collectors Library Edition, Faux-leather Hardcover
Series
Part of the International Collectors Library series (Standard classics collection)
Target Audience
Adult/General Audience
Collector Information
Condition
Very Good to Near Fine. The gold gilt on the spine and front cover appears bright and intact with no significant fading or rubbing. The edges of the binding show minimal wear. The spine is square and tight.
Estimated Value
$10-$20
Rarity
Common. International Collectors Library editions were produced in massive quantities via mail-order subscriptions. While they look expensive and decorative, they are widely available on the second-hand market.
Historical Significance
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1932. This book was instrumental in the author receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938. It is credited with shaping American perceptions of China in the 1930s.
Collector Notes
For ICL books, value is heavily dependent on the 'shelf appeal'—the brightness of the gold leaf is paramount. Check for a matching ribbon marker inside. These books should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent the faux-leather from becoming brittle or the gold from oxidizing. They have little investment value but are excellent for building an attractive home library for reading.
Similar Books
Sons by Pearl S. Buck, A House Divided by Pearl S. Buck, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Spring Moon by Bette Bao Lord
Notable Features
Gilt-stamped decorative binding, faux-leather boards, ribbon marker (internal), and printed on acid-neutral paper.