* If the books were written by Stratemeyer Syndicate (the original publisher): Books from 1932 would be in the public domain, meaning they are not under copyright protection and can be freely copied and distributed. They are not inherently valuable due to copyright, but their condition and rarity might affect their market value.
* If the books were written by a specific author (like Mildred Wirt Benson or others who wrote under the Carolyn Keene name): The copyright status is more complicated. You'd need to find out which author wrote the specific book and research their individual copyright status. It's possible some of these books are still under copyright, while others might be in the public domain.
Here's what to consider:
* Rarity: Books from 1932, especially in good condition, can be rare and thus valuable to collectors.
* Condition: The overall condition of the book (wear, tears, pages, binding, etc.) significantly impacts its worth.
* First Edition: First editions, particularly those with dust jackets, are often more valuable than later printings.
* Popularity of the Title: Certain Nancy Drew books might be more sought after than others.
How to Determine Value:
1. Identify the Specific Book: Look for the full title, author (if listed), publisher, and date of publication.
2. Research the Author: Find out if the author was a member of the Stratemeyer Syndicate or a specific author who wrote under the pseudonym.
3. Check Online Resources: Websites like AbeBooks, eBay, and Amazon can provide information on similar books and their prices.
4. Contact a Book Appraiser: For a more definitive assessment, consider contacting a professional book appraiser.
It's important to remember that book value is subjective and can fluctuate based on market demand and other factors.