Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest
W. H. Hudson (William Henry Hudson)
📚 Genre
Fiction, Romanticism, Adventure, Nature Writing
🏢 Publisher
International Collectors Library (Imprint of Doubleday)
📅 Publication Year
Circa 1945-1970 (This reprint edition; original publication 1904)
🔢 ISBN
None (Pre-ISBN for this specific design range, typically circa 1950s-1970s)
About This Book
A classic romance set in the Venezuelan jungle, following the protagonist Abel and his search for a mysterious 'bird-girl' named Rima. The book explores themes of nature, civilization versus the wild, and tragic love. The cover features green faux-leather with ornate 24k gold gilding styles typical of the International Collectors Library's 'William Morris' design series.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
Approximately 300-350 pages
Edition
Collector's Edition; Faux-leather binding (William Morris design)
Series
Part of the International Collectors Library series (un-numbered classic library collection)
Target Audience
Adults, Classic Literature enthusiasts
Collector Information
Condition
Very Good. The gilt on the spine and front cover is bright and intact. The green faux-leather shows minimal wear on the hinges and corners. Head and foot of the spine appear sturdy.
Estimated Value
$10-$20
Rarity
Common. International Collectors Library books were produced in massive quantities via book clubs (Doubleday) and are widely available on the secondary market.
Historical Significance
W.H. Hudson was a founding member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; this novel is his most famous work, notably adapted into a 1959 film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Collector Notes
While these books look like fine leather bindings, they are actually synthetic 'faux-leather.' They are excellent for filling a shelf aesthetically but have low individual investment value. Collectors should check for the presence of the original 'Golden Leaf' insert and ensure the ribbon marker hasn't bled onto the pages. Keep out of direct sunlight as the synthetic material can become brittle or sticky over decades.
Similar Books
The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle, Far Away and Long Ago by W.H. Hudson, At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Notable Features
Gilded edges (likely top edge), decorative endpapers (typical of ICL), silk ribbon marker, and ornate gold-stamped binding designed to mimic historical luxury bindings.