The Secrets of Smartness, a 20 course program by Alma Archer

The Secrets of Smartness was a course created by Alma Archer. There is a 22 page book by the same name which promotes the course but is not the subject of my query. Alma Archer was, in short, a well-known authority on fashion, style and taste during her career as a syndicated columnist with the New York Mirror. She moved to New York in 1924 where she ran a charm school on Fifth Avenue and became a columnist. Highlights of her career included interviewing Adolf Hitler, drinking with Ernest Hemingway in Paris and sailing south of France with James Joyce. Her column on fashion and style was once carried by more than 1,100 newspapers as she trained sales people how to style customers in the best NY stores. She used her experience to develop the Alma Archer Method to help all women to be stylish and how to choose the correct clothing and how to behave etc.

My question on value concerns her 10 9x12 booklets with 20 lessons where she discusses many topics ranging from foundation Garments, The Secrets of Color, Fabrics, How to know laces, Hat selection and behavior. There are pictures of Alma throughout, and cute illustrations, cutouts, design ideas and even fabric samples. Also included are 2 pages of famous people who approve of her method including Loretta Young, Carole Lombard, Claudette Colbert and society ladies. The course was sold in 1933 for $17.50. My copy of the 10 books is in very good condition despite their age with most of the wear being on the paper covers. I’m assuming they are used but I’m not positive.

My search has come up empty. If you could help me price this it would be appreciated. Thanks!

Fair