Whitman Juvenile Books: Reference and Value Guide [Paperback]

David Brown (Author), Virginia Brown (Author)

Book Description

The Whitman Publishing Co. published the 8 inch books known as 50-cent juveniles. These books provide a snapshot of popular culture from the years they were published, the 1910s to the 1970s. They were published in a variety of series such as Whitman Classics, Adventures For Boys, Mysteries, and the most notable, the Authorized Editions, which were gleaned from radio, screen, comic strips, and TV series. Considering the many characters and personality figures that were featured in the Whitman books, there is enormous crossover collectibility of these books for other fields. Written with the collector in mind, this book was thoughtfully organized by author, volume number, and title. There are nearly 400 color photos and each title has the author, volume number, copyright date, type of cover, number of pages, other books in the series, and a current value. It supplies all you need to know about defects and grading, and there's a considerable amount of historical information of the Whitman company. 1999 values. REVIEW: This book highlights those infrequently seen, hard-to-find items from the Depression era and the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. It is the 5th in a 6-book series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891457402
• ISBN-13: 978-0891457404
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,260,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Brown practices law in the Monterey, California area, where he has represented both landlords and tenants in hundreds of court cases -- most of which he felt could have been avoided if both sides were more fully informed about landlord/tenant law. Brown, a graduate of Stanford University (chemistry) and the University of Santa Clara Law School, also teaches law at the Monterey College of Law and is the author of Fight Your Ticket (CA version), Beat Your Ticket (the national version), The Landlord's Law Book, Vol. 1: Rights and Responsibilities; The Landlord's Law Book, Vol. 2: Evictions and co-author of How to Change Your Name in California and The Guardianship Book for California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed - Too Little Reference Information, June 2, 2009

By 

The Time Traveler (Cochranton, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Whitman Juvenile Books: Reference and Value Guide (Paperback)

I had high hopes when I finally found a Reference & Value Guide for Whitman Books, but reading the book was quite a let down. Perhaps I was spoiled by reading John Axe's excellent books on collecting girls' & boys' series books. Mr. Axe provided information on the writers, plus listed all of the books in the series in all the different formats.

Whitman Juvenile Books Reference & Value Guide appears to be a collection of the books that David & Virginia Brown own. Many of the books in my small collection weren't listed, so I knew I wasn't being given all of the books in a particular series. There is a couple of pages of information on Whitman Publishing, and some pages on grading your books, but there is no information on book authors.

Hundreds of book are listed in alphabetical order, but books aren't always where I would expect them to be. Zane Grey's "The Spirit of the Border" is under Z for Zane. Walt Disney's "Zorro" is under W for Walt.

There are hundreds of color book covers shown, and if a book is based on a television show or a comic you are given a few sentences about the history of the show or comic strip. Looking at the different book covers is enjoyable, and there is information I didn't know before. But if you are looking for a comprehensive Reference Guide you may be disappointed.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for this book., December 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Whitman Juvenile Books: Reference and Value Guide (Paperback)

This book brought back many memories of my childhood. I went in search of Whitman books and probably have over 300 now. Eagerly anticipating a follow-up edition. Are there any other Whitman Collectors out there?

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Memory Jogger Reference & Value Guide !, April 12, 2000

By 

Irvin Goodman - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Whitman Juvenile Books: Reference and Value Guide (Paperback)

Delightful book (originally published in 1997) has been updated with '99 values. The 144 page book features more than 400 sharp, large, full color cover photographs of the Whitman Juvenile Books you may have enjoyed as a child. Sufficient background information is provided along with collectors information, grading your books, conventions, and more. You'll enjoy browsing and using this book. Very enjoyable !