Stories By Famous Authors Illustrated: Hamlet #No. 8
Seaboard Publishers • Stories By Famous Authors Illustrated (A Treasury of Celebrated Literature)
Writer
William Shakespeare (Original Author); Adapted by Dana E. Dutch
Interior Artist
Henry Carl Kiefer
Cover Artist
Unknown
Publication Date
1950
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A comic book adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy 'Hamlet'. The story follows Prince Hamlet as he seeks revenge against his uncle Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father in order to seize the throne.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Visible date written in grease pencil or ink at the top ('1950'), significant spine wear with color break, blunted corners, edge chipping on the right side, and general surface scuffing. Evidence of yellowing on the interior pages visible at the bottom edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $30; Graded (CGC 3.0): $50 - $70
Recent Sales
Similar low-grade copies of the Seaboard 'Famous Authors' run typically sell in the $10-$25 range at auction; mid-grade copies can reach $60.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS services would likely exceed the market value of the book in this condition, especially with the '1950' notation on the cover acting as a significant defect.
Notable Features
10-cent cover price; notable as part of the 'Classic Illustrated' era of educational comics; uses a specific 'A Treasury of Celebrated Literature' header.
Authentication Notes
The paper aging, 10-cent branding, and typical 1950s printing registration appear consistent with an authentic Seaboard Publishers original. The grease pencil date is a common marking found on comics from newsstands or personal collections of that era.