Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest
W. H. Hudson (William Henry Hudson)
📚 Genre
Fantasy / Exotic Romance
🏢 Publisher
Random House
📅 Publication Year
1944
🔢 ISBN
N/A - Pre-ISBN Era (Identified as Random House 1944 Edition)
About This Book
A classic romance set in the Orinoco jungle of south-eastern Venezuela. The story follows a political fugitive named Abel who falls in love with Rima the Bird-girl, a mysterious forest dweller. This edition features the striking Modernist cover and interior illustrations by E. McKnight Kauffer, utilizing deep green and golden-yellow motifs that reflect the jungle setting.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
231
Edition
Illustrated Hardcover Edition
Series
Standalone novel
Target Audience
Adult / Literary Fiction Readers
Collector Information
Condition
Good to Very Good. The spine shows visible rubbing and wear to the gold lettering on the green label area. Surface wear and light bumping are evident on the cloth corners.
Estimated Value
$25-$45
Rarity
Uncommon. While the title is common, this specific 1944 Random House edition with Kauffer's illustrations is sought after by collectors of graphic design and mid-century book arts.
Historical Significance
Originally published in 1904, it is Hudson's most famous work. It served as a major influence on early 20th-century nature writing and was adapted into a 1959 film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Collector Notes
The value of this edition is heavily dependent on the condition of the spine label and the presence of the original slipcase (not pictured). To preserve, keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the yellow cloth and green board art.
Similar Books
The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, She by H. Rider Haggard, Far Away and Long Ago by W.H. Hudson
Notable Features
Features full-color and black-and-white illustrations by renowned graphic designer E. McKnight Kauffer. Includes a foreword by John Galsworthy.