"Merchant of Venice" original text records - Original 78rpm collection

[PaulB]

I am helping out with the estate sale of my girlfriend's mother. Her mother's uncle "Sidney Smith" was an actor who mostly got small parts in radio, TV, and movies. I have an original hardbound album titled "Mercury Text Records by Orson Welles" and it is of the "Merchant of Venice". This album contains 12, 78rpm records recorded on both sides. In a pocket inside of the front cover there is a "Handbook for Teachers" which contains the cast of characters and a lesson plan. Sidney Smith plays the part of Gratiano.
It is my wish to learn more about this record collection as well as it's approximate value.

[Glenn Anders]

Dear PaulB: I should think your text/handbook/record album grouping should be fairly valluable, especially if it contains, as I assume, illustrations by Welles. I notice the text alone is offered by booksellers for $35.

The number of 78, I assume shellac, records suggests these specimens come from early in the educational venture he was encouraged to engage in by his mentor, "Skipper" Hill: a quite rare example, at that, one that will become more valuable if Welles late motion picture version is ever put together.

Good luck.

Glenn

[PaulB]

FYI: On the first page of the handbook it states "Copyright 1938, Roger Hill, Headmaster of Todd School, John Houseman, Ass. Prof. of Eng. and Head of Drama, Vassar College, Orson Welles, Director of Mercury Theatre.

[Glenn Anders]

Thanks, PaulB. Then, it is as I suggested. Hill had encouraged Welles to produce educational editions of Shakespeare's major plays.

Glenn