Berkshire Reader Nunley 1995 Paperback Berkshire House

📖 The Berkshire Reader is a 1995 first paperback edition anthology edited by Richard Nunley and illustrated with woodcut-style drawings by Michael McCurdy, published by Berkshire House Publishers in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The volume gathers regional writings, letters, essays and nature observations about western Massachusetts’ Berkshire County from historical diarists, naturalists and literary figures including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville and Edith Wharton.

Quick Facts

• ISBN-10: 0936399635
• ISBN-13: 9780936399638
• Publisher: Berkshire House Publishers, Stockbridge, MA
• Publication Year: 1995
• Edition: First paperback edition, number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
• Format: Paperback, 9.25 x 6.25 in
• Pages: 544
• Illustrations: Woodcut-style drawings by Michael McCurdy

Cover & Illustrations

The front cover features a deep blue woodcut-style landscape illustration with a rocky ledge bearing an open book and cup, rolling hills and evergreen trees. The title THE BERKSHIRE READER appears in red-maroon serif type with the subtitle WRITINGS FROM NEW ENGLAND’S SECLUDED PARADISE below it. Credits read Edited by RICHARD NUNLEY • Drawings by MICHAEL McCURDY. The back cover carries a review quote by Richard Wilbur praising the selection and illustrations, publisher information for Berkshire House Publishers, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and the original retail price $16.95.

Content Overview

The anthology is organized around the cultural and natural history of the Berkshires. Selections span 18th and 19th century diarists, naturalists and travel writers alongside literary figures associated with the region. The introduction by Nunley frames the Berkshires as a secluded literary landscape and the woodcut illustrations by McCurdy add a regional visual character throughout.

FAQ

What region does this anthology cover?
The book focuses on Berkshire County in western Massachusetts, often described as New England’s secluded paradise.

Is this a first edition?
Yes, the paperback is stated as First paperback edition, 1995 with a complete number line.

Who illustrated the volume?
Drawings are by Michael McCurdy, noted for woodcut-style regional illustration.

For Collectors

Regional Americana and New England history collectors value this Berkshire House title for its curated source material and distinctive McCurdy illustrations. The first paperback retains the original retail price on the rear cover and a publisher postcard insert. Copies in Very Good+ with clean interiors are increasingly sought for regional shelf sets.

#### **Condition Report**
* **Overall Grade:** Very Good+ (VG+)
* **Cover & Spine:** Front and rear card wrappers remain vibrant with glossy laminate; minimal shelf-wear and light rubbing to corner tips. Spine is straight and uncreased with crisp lettering.  There is a non-color breaking diagonal crease on the front board at the upper outer corner.  Former Amazon barcode label over the upc on lower back cover.
* **Text Block & Pages:** Text block and interior pages are a clean, uniform off-white/cream, showing no toning or brittleness. Clean and unmarked throughout, no loose, torn or folded pages.
* **Binding:** Square, tight, and sound trade softcover binding; uncracked and structurally intact.
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See accompanying images for full condition details. Will ship promptly, carefully packaged.

HFB-SEO-v1: 2026-10-29

Shelf: 5-3-2

1 in stock