Robert Dale Owen’s Footfalls on the Boundary of Another World
A compelling and original exploration into the mysterious realm of supernatural phenomena, blending meticulous research with narrative flair, that came to light in the half of XIX century.
Published in 1860, Owen presents a scholarly yet accessible investigation that traverses apparitions, hauntings, dreams, and personal spiritual experiences. What makes the book cool and enduringly fascinating is Owen’s open-minded approach, balancing skepticism with genuine inquiry. Owen goes through historical and contemporary accounts with a clear, lucid style that invites readers to reconsider the nature of life, death, and possible communication beyond. The work stands out for its thoughtful synthesis of spiritualism and early psychological theories, making it a pioneering tome in paranormal literature and a must-read for those intrigued by the unseen boundaries of existence.
Owen’s “Footfalls on the Boundary of Another World” offers a unique window into 19th-century spiritualist thought delivered with intellectual rigor and narrative charm, while the 1860 first edition remains a valuable collectible piece for enthusiasts of the genre.

Regarding the value of the first edition from 1860, original copies of this book typically hold significant collector interest due to its rarity and importance in spiritualist literature. Prices for a well-preserved first edition range generally from several hundred to over a thousand US dollars, depending on condition and provenance. For instance, listings for firm, mildly worn copies with original bindings have shown prices around the $400-$800 mark in the rare book market. Prices could be higher for pristine or historically notable and particular copies, like the one above.

The 1860 London edition of “Footfalls on the Boundary of Another World,” published by Trübner & Co., appears to be a notable and collectible version, often listed with prices generally around $80 to $500 depending on condition and provenance. Meanwhile, the first United States edition, such as the Philadelphia edition by J. B. Lippincott & Co., tends to have a wider price range and sometimes lower average prices, though rare copies can also be quite valuable, so keep in mind that you ca not spend less than 300,00€ for a discrete copy, most of time.
Collectors often seek the London edition for its original UK imprint and historical significance in spiritualist literature. It is generally considered more sought after than the Philadelphia edition, in part because the London edition is the primary original publishing and is associated with the initial dissemination of Robert Dale Owen’s work in the UK. The Philadelphia edition, while important as the first US printing, is usually seen as a secondary market item.
The 1860 London edition is typically more sought after and valued by collectors compared to the Philadelphia edition, especially for those preferring the original UK imprint and historical context of the work. However, the difference in monetary value is minimal.