THE YEAR 2007 marks the 65th anniversary of a bold experiment: the launch of the Little Golden Books during the dark days of World War II. At a time when the literacy rate was not nearly as high as it is now - and privation was felt by nearly all - quality books for children would now be available at a price nearly everyone could afford (25 cents), and sold where ordinary people shopped. Golden Legacy is a lively history of a company, a line of books, the groundbreaking writers and artists who created them, the clever mavericks who marketed and sold them, and the cultural landscape that surrounded them.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Review, The New York Times Book Review, November 11, 2007:
"The book includes a wonderful selection of archival photos and artwork that convey the depth and breadth of the creative talent working there in those early years."
Starred Review, School Library Journal, December 2007:
"This winning combination of nostalgia and clear-eyed, meticulously researched history breaks new ground, and should have broad appeal."
"The book includes a wonderful selection of archival photos and artwork that convey the depth and breadth of the creative talent working there in those early years."
Starred Review, School Library Journal, December 2007:
"This winning combination of nostalgia and clear-eyed, meticulously researched history breaks new ground, and should have broad appeal."
About the Author
Leonard S. Marcus has written many award-winning books, including Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the Moon. A frequent contributor to The New York Times Book Review, Washington Post Book World, The Horn Book, and Publishers Weekly, Marcus's book reviews have been featured in every issue of Parenting magazine since it was founded in 1987. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Golden Legacy by Leonard S. Marcus is the story of Little Golden Books. How did they come to be, how did they change the market for children's books, whose careers did it start up, etc. I don't think I could gush enough about this book. It's absolutely beautiful. Marcus tells the story of the Western Publishing Company out of Racine, Wisconsin from its earliest beginnings. This small company started out just as printers but when the publishing company they printed a lot of books for collapsed, Western bought them out and embarked upon their colorful and successful career in children's books. The book is filled with breathtaking illustrations; it reminded me of everything that I loved about Little Golden Books as a little girl. And who doesn't have a favorite Little Golden Book? I think every child for the last 65 years has been impacted by these books. My mom still collects Eloise Wilkin books. My favorites were The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown and The Bunny Book by Richard Scarry. LGBs changed the children's book market by selling beautiful books for a price that parents could afford to purchase. At a quarter a piece, every child could own at least one, which encouraged reading at home. The books were also focused on the idea of writing for children about Here and Now as opposed to fairy tales. There are tales of the discovery of Richard Scarry and Gustaf Tenggren, and current children's authors as interviewed as to how LGBs impacted their lives and art. This would make a great Christmas present for any book collector, especially boomers who will be thrilled to see pictures from their childhood. As for me, it reminded me of the joy I found in these books as a child, and I've officially added them to my daughter's Christmas list.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By C. Miller
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am so glad I purchased this book. I bought it sight unseen directly from Amazon and was amazed when I received it. It is a coffee table book with wonderful history of Little Golden Books. The title says "how golden books won children's hearts" - This book will win your heart. It is a must buy for all of your history nuts -- especially if you are a biblioholic! I give this book my highest recommendation!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the most enchanting book I've had in my hands in a very long time. I was at a dinner party recently and GOLDEN LEGACY was on the coffee table -- for about thirty seconds. All evening it went from hand to hand, with squeals and sighs following it around the room. I had to have it.
The text is a fascinating history of Little Golden Books, first published in Racine, Wisconsin during the Second World War. What a visionary leap -- affordable quality books for children, with great production values and marketed everywhere. Yet the Western Publishing Company was originally a printing company; when they got stuck with railroad cars full of children's books due to a publisher's bankruptcy, the company sold them directly. The books sold well, the company directors were inspired to publish more, and the rest is history. You can read all about it if you buy this book, which is bound to be of interest to book collectors, readers interested in cultural history, and nostalgic baby boomers.
Just as absorbing as the text, the illustrations are an astonishing collection of history. If you ever had Little Golden Books, or bought them for a lucky child, you'll be sighing with happy recollections as you leaf through these pages. We don't forget our first books, and you'll see old favorites and smile at the memories they evoke.
GOLDEN LEGACY honors the 65th anniversary of Little Golden Books, and I recommend it to anyone whose love of books was fostered by a collection of these 25 cent treasures.
Linda Bulger, 2008
The text is a fascinating history of Little Golden Books, first published in Racine, Wisconsin during the Second World War. What a visionary leap -- affordable quality books for children, with great production values and marketed everywhere. Yet the Western Publishing Company was originally a printing company; when they got stuck with railroad cars full of children's books due to a publisher's bankruptcy, the company sold them directly. The books sold well, the company directors were inspired to publish more, and the rest is history. You can read all about it if you buy this book, which is bound to be of interest to book collectors, readers interested in cultural history, and nostalgic baby boomers.
Just as absorbing as the text, the illustrations are an astonishing collection of history. If you ever had Little Golden Books, or bought them for a lucky child, you'll be sighing with happy recollections as you leaf through these pages. We don't forget our first books, and you'll see old favorites and smile at the memories they evoke.
GOLDEN LEGACY honors the 65th anniversary of Little Golden Books, and I recommend it to anyone whose love of books was fostered by a collection of these 25 cent treasures.
Linda Bulger, 2008
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thanks for remembering Grace Clarke
A wonderful summary and celebration of the magical world of Golden Books. Thanks so much for remembering Grace Clarke and her contributions to their success.
Published 13 months ago by JAD
5.0 out of 5 stars
Golden Books
Little Golden Books Collector? You need this Bible then! It has everything in it!
Published on May 29, 2010 by Lori Ray
5.0 out of 5 stars
Golden Legacy, How Golden Books Won Children's Hearts, Changed...
Delightful, informative, must have selection for any Little Golden Books collector. It includes information on both authors and illustrators who became the "whose who" of... Read more
Published on April 24, 2010 by R. Morrill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful book, as described. Thanks
Having children that grew up with Golden books, this is a great history, beautiful pictures and a treasure to own.
Published on June 13, 2009 by Jacquelin Sampson
5.0 out of 5 stars
western publishing golden books
my wife and I are both from Racine Wi where these books were first published. My wife is an avid collector of these books and its great to get some background on the diffrent... Read more
Published on January 7, 2009 by John Burgess
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read
Do you remember Golden Books as a child. Do you still read them to your children? Then you won't want to miss this fascinating history.
Published on June 30, 2008 by Dr.G
5.0 out of 5 stars
For Anyone With Golden Memories
If the names Poky Little Puppy, Tawny Scrawny Lion and Tootle bring a smile to your face, than this book might just be for you. Read more
Published on June 9, 2008 by L. Kramberg
4.0 out of 5 stars
If the subject interests you, then buy it.
If you grew up reading Little Golden Books, you will likely find this book very worthwhile. Along with it being an enjoyable trip down memory lane, it's full of interesting... Read more
Published on March 18, 2008 by R. Gale
3.0 out of 5 stars
A nice history of Golden Books
I ordered this book because I worked for the company for 5 years and so I had a special interest in the subject. Read more
Published on February 8, 2008 by Doting grandma
5.0 out of 5 stars
A lavishly illustrated celebration of our collective childhood
For the last 65 years, children have grown up on The Poky Little Puppy, The Color Kittens, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever, dozens of other Golden... Read more
Published on February 4, 2008 by Jessica Lux
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