Monday, August 25, 2014

Pocket Books at 75

Last June Pocket Books celebrated the 75th anniversary of mass market publishing in North America. The ad in the June 19th NY Times, promoting the first 10 Pocket Books, read:

"Today is the most important literary coming-out party in the memory of New York’s oldest book lover. Today your 25 cent piece leaps to a par with dollar bills….These new Pocket Books are designed to fit both the tempo of our times and the needs of New Yorkers….Never again need you say “I wish I had time to read” because Pocket Books gives you the time….The books you have always meant to read “when you had time” will fill the waits with enjoyment."

I'm surprised by how little press the anniversary received. Pocket Books has done next to nothing to promote, aside from a logo noting the event. Perhaps their embarrassed by the quality of the product. Below is an example. Horrible book. The acknowledgements section names 46 people that helped produce the book. At least Gertrude remains.

Interesting to note that the price of paperbacks has gone up 40 fold in 75 years while the average hardcover's price is up only 10 fold.
 
Pocket - June 2014
 
Pocket June 2014 back
 
June 2014 logo
 
Pocket 16 - September 1939
 
Pocket 16 back
 
Pocket 33 - January 1940
 
Pocket 33 back
 
Pocket 1939 logo

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