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Walter J. Black Editions

The Walter J. Black Editions were reprints of seventy-three of Zane Grey's titles with one additional title appearing as a First Edition. The series also included a biography of Zane Grey. Produced in the 1950s and 1960s, they were bound in red and tan cloth and originally came in a rice paper cover.

Most of these books have little value, but the last thirteen in the list below are substantially rarer and can command higher values. Two titles, The Wolf Tracker and The Camp Robber normally have a higher value. The Wolf Tracker is almost impossible to find in the original Harper's Edition, so this title is, in many cases, collected by collectors who feel they will never find the original first. The Camp Robber is a First Edition in the Walter J. Black series. It was never published anywhere else other than a magazine serial. It is therefore highly collectible.

Disclaimer on Book Values

The ZGWS is has received many requests concerning the value of Walter J. Black Edition books. To gain a better understanding of the values of these books, we recommend that you contact a professional book dealer.

However, most of these titles in average condition can be purchased for $3 - $5 per book. The last 13 titles in the list below can command higher prices, especially if they are in excellent condition. Books in mint condition with the rice paper cover are becoming very rare and command higher prices.

Several years ago, we had reports of complete sets of the 75 titles in mint condition still with the rice paper covers bringing in excess of $1000. We have also heard of mint copies of The Wolf Tracker and The Camp Robber bringing more than $100 each. However, over the past 5 years or so, values have dropped dramatically. We have heard of complete sets selling for only a few hundred dollars and now you can find copies of the two rarest titles for well under $100 each.

The ZGWS makes no guarantees or claims about the value of these books. We suggest that you do not be disappointed when you are told that your Black Edition books are only worth $5 each. One suggestion is to check abebooks.com or ebay.com and see how similar books are selling there.

Listing of Zane Grey Walter J. Black Editions

Title 1 Riders Of The Purple Sage 2 Thundering Herd 3 Wild Horse Mesa 4 Call Of The Canyon 5 Wildfire 6 Hash Knife Outfit 7 Shepherd Of Guadaloupe 8 Fighting Caravans 9 Western Union 10 West Of The Pecos 11 30,000 On The Hoof 12 Arizona Ames 13 Thunder Mountain 14 Sunset Pass 15 Mysterious Rider 16 To The Last Man 17 Vanishing American 18 Man Of The Forest 19 Twin Sombreros 20 Robber's Roost 21 Desert Gold 22 Heritage Of The Desert 23 Rogue River Feud 24 Shadow On The Trail 25 Code Of The West 26 Light Of Western Stars 27 Rainbow Trail 28 Border Legion 29 Under The Toonto Rim 30 Last Of The Plainsmen 31 Majesty's Rancho 32 Stairs Of Sand 33 Forlorn River 34 Desert Of Wheat 35 Raiders Of The Spanish Peaks 36 Drift Fence 37 Lone Star Ranger 38 Wilderness Trek 39 Knights Of The Range 40 Lost Wagon Train 41 Valley Of Wild Horses 42 U.P. Trail 43 Nevada 44 Deer Stalker 45 Wanderer Of The Wasteland 46 Trail Driver 47 Maverick Queen 48 Tappan's Burro 49 Betty Zane 50 Dude Ranger 51 Captives Of The Desert 52 Last Trail 53 Spirit Of The Border 54 Wyoming 55 Lost Pueblo 56 Black Mesa 57 Stranger From The Tonto 58 Fugitive Trail 59 Arizona Clan 60 Horse Heaven Hill 61 Ranger 62 Blue Feather 63 Boulder Dam 64 Zane Grey: Biography 65 Ken Ward In The Jungle 66 Red-Headed Outfielder 67 Roping Lions In The Grand Canyon 68 Shortstop 69 Young Forester 70 Young Lion Hunter 71 Young Pitcher 72 Day Of The Beast 73 Wolf Tracker 74 Reef Girl 75 Camp Robber

Historical images of Zane Grey used with permission of Dr. Loren Grey