THE MASK OF ZORRO Chronicle Books 1997 FRONTISPIECE to

FRONTISPIECE to the WHITMAN TV SERIES NOVEL (1958)
THE MASK OF ZORRO
Chronicle Books 1997
Back
Cover
Cover
.
Masked riders have been featured in stories for centuries.
In American folklore we have several: The Lone Ranger, The Green
Hornet, and Zorro.
There are others, but I’ll let the Walt Needham
(Member #1102) two-part article that begins in this issue of The Big Little
Times tell you all about them. Thanks Walt for another contribution to our
Club’s publication.
.
I recently received some photos of the Whitman publishing operations. They
are part of an article titled the History of the Western Publishing Company.
Credit goes to a Club Member Jerry Jurman (Member #362) for sending this
informative article to me.
The following pictures are of Whitman’s shipping facilities in Racine, Wisconsin
in the early 1960s: 1) The web of conveyors permits the shipping dispatcher to
shunt cartons to individual stations on the docks; 2) Sixteen giant semi-trailers
can be accommodated along the truck dock.
The web of conveyors.
The truck dock.
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Put October 9-10 on your calendar. We’ll have a BLB Club meeting in
conjunction with the OAF event in Oklahoma City at that time (See the OAF ad
in this issue). I hope many collectors can get to that great show. I’d be pleased
to meet with members and have an interesting Club meeting, sharing stories,
books, and answering questions. Hope to see some of you there.
LARRY LOWERY
BLT Editor
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MASKED RIDERS
WITHOUT THE THUNDERING HOOF BEATS
OF THE GREAT HORSE SILVER
Part 1: Zorro
by Walt Needham (Member #1102)
Masked riders have often been among those heroes who have adventured
within a big little book format. The best known is the Lone Ranger
whom Larry Lowery noted has appeared in 14 such offerings published
by Whitman (1). The Lone Ranger, first featured in a January 31, 1933
broadcast on WZYZ in Detroit, became the “cornerstone” of the newly
created 1934 Mutual Broadcasting System (2) and was a coast to coast
favorite both with young listeners and their parents. The following
year the first Lone Ranger Big Little Book, The Lone Ranger and his Horse
Silver appeared. Instead of consisting of reprints of newspaper comics
it featured material presumably from the radio broadcasts. The Lone
Ranger newspaper strip did not begin until 1938. The first Lone Ranger
comic book, an ice cream company giveaway, was a Johnny-come-lately
entry in 1939. It was based on a previously published big little book
with Henry Vallely’s drawings “adorned” with crudely lettered dialogue
balloons (3).
Paradoxically, the earliest of the popular fictional masked riders made his
first and only appearance in one of the last books produced in a big little
book format. In 1998, Chronicle Books of San Francisco published The
Mask of Zorro, a 305 page version of the film of the same name as one of
its entries in the Mighty Chronicle Series. The book depicts the film that
stared Anthony Banderis, Catherine Zita-Jones, and Anthony Hopkins.
It was adapted by John Whitman from both an original story and screen
play as well as illustrated accurately but somewhat uninspiredly by
Works in Progress. This film was the basis for a four issue comic series
published by Image (4). Pocket Books also printed both an adult and
children’s novelization of the movie (5).
WHITMAN TV SERIES NOVEL (1958)
4
Zorro first made his initial appearance in the August 9, 1919 issue of All
Story Weekly. The masked hero was depicted with gun and sword on
its cover, illustrating the initial segment of Johnston McCulley’s fivepart novel, The Curse of Capistrano. Pulp writer McCulley had previously
written crime and specifically railroad detective stories with forgettable
characters, such as the Black Star, the Crimson Clown, and Thuhway
Tham.
However, encouraged by Zorro’s popularity and subsequent
film life, McCulley moved his imagination to the West and continued
5
the adventures of his successful hero, penning a total of 64 Zorro novels
and novelettes. These appeared until 1954 in magazines such as Argosy
(which had evolved from All Story Weekly), Cavalier Classics, West, Max
Brand Western, and Short Stories for Men. Some were later published in
book form.
The masked California aristocrat first achieved recognition within the
larger popular culture in 1920 when a version of McCulley’s story,
renamed The Mark of Zorro, premiered as a major film attraction. Much
of its success was due to Douglas Fairbanks’ characterization of Zorro.
Fairbanks’ films, although still well received by the public, were starting
to be regarded by the critics as stale and repetitious. In contrast, those
of his wife, Mary Pickford, received greater critical acclaim as she
was starring in roles that involved more than recreating herself in an
image of “America’s Sweetheart.” Looking for a new format, Fairbanks
became excited when he learned of Zorro. Sources vary as to whether
his wife, his brother Robert, or a semi-literate cowboy buddy, Charlie
Stephens, gave him the magazine that contained The Curse of Capistrano.
Richard Talmadge, Fairbanks’ stunt man, favored the latter explanation,
noting that only someone like Charlie would have read pulp magazines
(6). Zorro seemed just the answer. Fairbanks could add to his already
proven athleticism, stunt skills, and humor, that of bravery, romantic
passion, and noble endeavor. The Mark of Zorro endowed him with
the swashbuckling image that he used in subsequent films and that is
evoked with his memory even today.
After later cementing his new persona in films such as The Thief of
Baghdad, and The Three Musketeers, Fairbanks returned as Zorro “plus” in
a 1925 sequel, Don Q. Son of Zorro. It was based on the novel, Don Q’s Love
Story by Kate and Hesketh Prichard. Fairbanks played both its primary
hero, Don. Q, who was Zorro’s son, and an aging Zorro. Don Q. did not
take the title of Zorro in the film but remained himself, Don Caesar de
Vega. The movie, set in Spain, involved a broader selection of stunts, and
somewhat more elaborate sets from the first Zorro movie. As it winds
to its conclusion, Zorro, himself, leaves California to come to the aid of
his son in Spain, showing that the old man had lost little of his vinegar.
The New York Times Review reported that its initial showing “stirred an
audience in the Globe Theatre to many an outburst of genuine merriment
and at the end of the entertainment there was a peal of applause which
to any star, stage or screen, is more beautiful than the music of Chopin,
Liszt, or Wagner” (7).
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS in MARK OF ZORRO (1920)
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS in MARK OF ZORRO (1920)
6
7
Zorro’s next incarnation was in 1936, this made possible by Republic
Studios. Republic, a bastion of B pictures, gave the masked figure the
best treatment it could muster. The Bold Caballero, was the first of its color
productions and featured Robert Livingston, who had once been under
contract to MGM. While it acknowledged McCulley in its credits, the
film was the first of many to take great liberties with the Zorro legend as it
was originally created. The plot was a combination of historical romance,
musical, and slapstick comedy, the latter provided by Sig Ruman, in the
role of the Commandant. It is interesting to note that James Pierce, a
former silent film and radio Tarzan, had an uncredited role as a bandit.
Livingston that same year also starred in a Zorro-type serial for Republic,
The Vigilantes Are Coming. Again the site was California in the early to
mid 1800s, but instead of Zorro, Livingstone’s secret identity was that of
the mysterious Eagle.
Apparently pleased with the concept of a Zorro with singing talent,
Republic handed the official Zorro costume to John Carroll, another
actor who had flirted with A film celebrity. Now named James Vega,
the hero was made a descendant of the original Zorro. The result was a
12 chapter serial, Zorro Rides Again, considered one of the studio’s better
chapter plays. The plot was essentially that of a typical Republic western,
set in relatively modern times. Yakima Canutt performed outstanding
stunts and veteran actors Reed Howes, Duncan Renaldo, Noah Beery Sr.
(who had been Sergeant Gonzales in the original Fairbanks’ Zorro), and
Richard Alexander added much to its cast of Republic Studio’s stalwarts.
Zorro’s Fighting Legion followed in 1939 with Reed Hadley as its star. The
story was a return to the original Zorro and the California of the 1800s. Its
twelve chapters use elements of the original story.
Twentieth Century Fox Studios brought Zorro back to the major
productions in 1940, remaking The Mark of Zorro but putting its own mark,
likely a Z, on the plot. As Zorro had shaped the Fairbanks image, it was
hoped that Zorro would add to that of Tyrone Power’s luster as Power
was being groomed as a major star (8). Basil Rathbone as Captain Esteban
Pasquale was both a marvelous villain and impressive fencer, while J. Edward
Bromberg, as the governor who usurped ruling power, was a sly,
wicked, buffoon.
The film tips its hat to both
of Fairbank’s epics with
Zorro impaling his sword
in the ceiling, not to be
used unless needed, and his
alter-ego, Don de la Vega,
doing unappreciated slightof-hand magic tricks.
TYRONE POWER and BASIL RATHBONE in MARK OF ZORRO (1940)
While certainly creditable
in the role, Power possessed
neither the Fairbanks’s
humor nor athleticism.
Nonetheless, the film was
well-received and given
an Academy Award for its
musical score.
Still,
Twentieth Century Fox
did not believe that
Zorro merited another
appearance.
Republic again picked up the Zorro slack in serial format. In 1944, it
produced Zorro’s Black Whip with Linda Sterling as a female Zorro. In
1947, George Turner starred in The Son of Zorro, and in 1949, Clayton Moore
headed the cast in The Ghost of Zorro, this leading to his iconic role as The
Lone Ranger. Moore surmises that the creators of the Lone Ranger had
been inspired by Zorro in its development and his role as a Zorro figure
helped his being selected as The Lone Ranger (9).
JOHN CARROL in ZORRO RIDES AGAIN (1987)
8
Most listings of Zorro epics were made by authors unfamiliar with film
serials and fail to mention several Zorro-related or Zorro-type productions.
They include not only The Vigilantes are Coming, as noted above, but also
Daughter of Don Q with Adrian Booth (1946), Don Daredevil Rides Again with
Ken Curtis (1951), and The Man with the Steel Whip with Richard Simmons
(1954). PRC’s Lone Rider series, which featured George Houston and later,
Bob Livingston, also had occasional Zorro-type plots
9
Guy
Williams
was
Zorro from 1957 to 1959
in a group of Disney
television epics. Like
Clayton Moore with the
Lone Ranger, Williams
reveled in this role.
These
very
highly
successful
ventures
cemented Zorro in the
consciousness of the
general
public
and
produced a massive
merchandising
boom
still evident on Ebay
today.
Subsequently
numerous Zorro films
were
produced
in
Mexico, Italy, Spain,
Belgium, and France.
CHRONICLE BLB based on the MOVIE
GUY WILLIAMS, STAR OF DISNEY’S ZORRO TV SERIES with AUTHOR McCULLEY
However, American actors were often featured in the
starring roles and these Zorros included Sean Flynn
(Errol’s son), and Gordon Scott (a former film Tarzan and
Hercules). Back in the states, an X-rated The Erotic Adventures of Zorro
appeared in 1972, a made for television Mark of Zorro with Frank
Langella in 1974, and a comedy, Zorro, the Gay Blade starring George
Hamilton in 1980.
The big little book, The Mask of Zorro, severely changes both the Zorro
epics created by McCulley and Fairbanks, denying Zorro either a life
of unfettered, continued adventure or a comfortable retirement. It
begins with Don Montero on his last day as governor, staging the
execution of three prisoners. Hiding in an undertaker’s wagon, the
Murietta brothers, Joaquin and Alejandro, are hoping that Zorro will
rescue the condemned. Zorro does not fail them but after freeing the
prisoners, Zorro is trapped. However, the two brothers are able to help
him make his own escape. Zorro gives Joaquin a medallion in gratitude.
After marking Montero with a Z, Zorro returns home and resumes his
identity as Don de la Vega, a man greatly devoted to his wife and infant
daughter. However Montero comes to the Vega house where he attempts
to arrest Vega, convinced that he is Zorro. During the encounter Vega’s
wife in killed while Vega is captured and imprisoned. His daughter,
Elena, is taken to Spain by Montero.
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Twenty years later, the Murietta brothers have
become outlaws in a once-again corrupt California. Walking into a trap set by Captain Love,
Joaquin is shot but Alejandro escapes. He
later returns to locate his brother but finds only
the medallion Zorro had given him. In the
meantime Montero has returned to California
for further mischief and visits the prison where
Vega has been confined. Montero does not
recognize Vega who is feigning madness. After
Montero leaves, Vega, infuriated by the sight of
the old enemy, escapes.
Montero makes a public appearance and Vega, who is in the
crowd, is about to kill him. However, a young woman appears and
addresses Montero as her father. Vega realizes that she is his purloined
daughter and reconsiders this form of vengeance. Leaving, he
encounters a drunken Alejandro in a cantina where he has been trying to
pawn the medal that he, as Zorro, had given his brother. Vega becomes
aware of Alejandro’s identity and keeps him from picking a potentially
ill-fated battle with his brother’s killer, Captain Love. Vega takes him to
the secret cave he had once used as Zorro and shares his secret.
He trains Alejandro in the fighting arts. Later Alejandro, assuming the
Zorro identity, meets Vega’s daughter, Elena, in town where he plans
to steal a horse that he feels worthy of carrying Zorro. He encounters
soldiers but escapes, hiding in a priest’s confessional booth. Elena,
not knowing he is the figure in the booth, confesses that she has had
“impure thoughts” of the young man she has just met. Just after she
leaves, Alejandro escapes on the horse he had sought, after inscribing a
Z on a wall.
Vega, while dismayed that Alejandro showed his hand this early, trains
him in the manners of the California aristocracy. Subsequently the two,
disguised, attend a party given by Montero, where Alejandro endears
himself to his host. Montero tells him of his plan to buy California from
Santa Anna with gold obtained through slave labor from a secret mine.
Vega encounters his daughter Elena who feels that she knows him.
Elena is later informed by her former nurse of her real history. Captain
Love encounters Alejandro and displays his brother’s preserved head.
With great difficulty Alejandro is able to controls his feelings. At last he
is officially given the Zorro mask by Vega. It is interesting to note that
Alejandro was also Vega’s father’s first name and Elena his mother’s
first name in the original novel.
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The new Zorro begins his revenge directly, terrorizing Love and
Montero with a burning Z on the hillside and making an
appearance with sword in hand. While escaping, he encounters Elena
who proves her own ability with the blade but also succumbs to her
feelings toward him. Vega, although no longer Zorro, confronts both his
enemies and Elena realizes that she is his daughter. Seeing that he is
faced with overwhelming odds, she convinces Vega to surrender but
later helps him escape from the dungeon where he was taken.
The book and film conclude in an exciting action sequence at the
gold mine with all major characters in battle. Vega, dying, at last kills
Montero, and Alejandro dispatches Captain Love, the latter made
aware that he is receiving the revenge of both a Murietta and a Zorro.
Elena with weapon in hand frees the slaves whom the villains had
planned to blow up along with the mine. Vega and his daughter have
tender words before he dies. Elena and Alejandro, fully realized as the
new Zorro, acknowledge their affection for each other.
The Mask of Zorro was a box office success and an exciting addition
to the Zorro epic although it severely trashes the conclusion of the
original.
The stunts and swordplay are well done but the
humor, athleticism and range of acting talent that Fairbanks or even
Power brought to the role are absent. The film was followed by a less
successful sequel, The Legend of Zorro.
GUY WILLIAMS as ZORRO
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In a way, Zorro can be said to be one of the fathers of many of today’s
masked heroes who appear in big little books and the popular culture.
In addition to the Lone Ranger, Batman comes to mind. The Zorro-type
hero differs from that of Superman and Wonder Woman. The Zorro
heroes manifest their heroic and true personas only when they are
masked. As such, they have two disguises, the second being that when
their personality is hidden by a demeanor which is often the antithesis or
a watered down version of their real selves. Besides Don de la Vega and
Bruce Wayne, the Green Hornet’s Britt Reid and the Shadow’s Lamont
Cranston would fall in this category. Other comic heroes, such as Captain
Marvel, Spiderman, and Dr. Fate are various hybrids of these two types,
their heroic personas the result of magic words, special equipment, or
scientific advancement/misadventure
Was Zorro really the original masked hero? The use of physical and
psychological masks to hide identity can be found as far back as early
mythology, the Greek and Roman plays, the works of Shakespeare, the
operas of Mozart and even the more contemporary comedies of manners.
However, in these, disguise was used either for villainy or trickery, and
typically lasted of very short duration with no fixed dual identity. Curtis
(10) sets forth the proposal that Zorro’s creator, Johnston McCulley, took
the concept of a dual role disguised hero from The Scarlet Pimpernel, a
1905 novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, and blended it with his interest
in old California and its colorful outlaws. Black Bart, for instance, was
a stage robber who used a mask to hide his features and led a normal
life when not supplementing his income on the road. In contrast, The
Scarlet Pimpernel was an Englishman, Sir Percy Blakeney, whose mission
was that of rescuing well-deserving French nobility during the Reign of
Terror. However, while both Zorro and the Pimpernel pretended to be
fops and left their calling cards of sort, they differed substantially in that
Pimpernel relied on disguise rather than mask and emphasized cunning
instead of action and use of weapons.
Zorro continues to flourish. He has an international reputation and is
more widely known than the United States’ better loved icon, the Lone
Ranger. Although radio success eluded him, he has been featured in more
movies and television episodes than the Lone Ranger. He has appeared
in many mediums. He was the main character in a well-received, original
ballet, premiered by San Francisco’s Smuin Ballet in 2003 and restaged in
2006. The play Zorro in Hell debuted at the Berkeley Repertory Theater
in 2006 and completed its run in Los Angeles in 2006. In 2008, Zorro, the
Musical, opened in London (11). Well published author, Isabel Allende
has written Zorro, A Novel, this serving as the book upon which the
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musical was based, and new adventures, Tales of Zorro, are being
published by Moonstone Books. Zorro’s comic book career which
began in 1949 continues with Dynamic Forces issuing new Zorro comics
in 2008 (12 ).
COLLECTOR’S CORNER
Zorro’s sword, which Fairbanks had hurled and imbedded in the ceiling
of the Vega ranchero to remain until needed, has not been returned yet.
Employed often and for so many years, it seems right that it has been
used to inscribe a Z on the cover of a big little book at last.
The sharp eyes of Bryan Campbell (Member #977) spotted a Big Little
Book Blooper. The BLB titled Erik Noble and the Forty-Niners was published
in hard cover and soft cover versions. On the cover of the hard cover
version, his name is spelled correctly - Erik. On the cover of the 3-color
soft cover version his name is misspelled - Eric. The outside pages are
also misspelled and since these pages are not attached to a cover in the
soft cover version, they can be seen. It is likely that the title for the soft
cover illustration was copied from the mistake on the outside pages of
the body of the book.
References
(1). Lowery, Larry (1981). The Collector’s Guide to Big Little Books and
Similar Books. Danville, CA: Educational Research and Applications
Corporation.
(2). Dunning, John (1999). On the Air, The Encyclopedia of Old-Time
Radio. New York: Oxford University Press.
(3). Goulart, Ron (2004). The Comic Book Encyclopedia. New York:
Harper Collins.
(4). Author Unknown (no date). Zorro. Retrieved (10/27/08) from
http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/z/zorro.htm.
(5). Author Unknown (no date). Zorro Productions, In.: Latest News
from Zorro Productions. Retrieved 10/27/08 from http://zorro.com/
publishing.html.
(6). Herndon, Booton (1977). Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.
New York: Norton.
(7). The New York Times (1971). The New York Times Directory of the
Film. New York: Arno Press/Random House.
(8). Basinger, Jeanine (2007). The Star Machine, New York. Knopf.
•
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•
A pair of Big Little Book earrings appeared on eBay in May. The pair were
replicas of the Big Little Mother Goose BLB. They sold for $11.95
(9). Moore, Clayton (with Frank Thompson) (1996). I was that Masked
Man. Dallas, Texas, Taylor Publishing Company.
(10). Curtis, Sandra R. (1998). Zorro Unmasked, The Official History.
New York: Hyperion.
(11). Author Unknown (no date). Zorro Productions, Inc.: The latest news
from the world of Zorro. Retrieved 10/27/08 from http://www.zorro.
com/et-stage.html.
(12). Author Unknown (no date). The Latest New from Zorro Productions! Retrieved 10/27/08 from http://www.zorro.com/news.html.
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I didn’t bid on them. They are not my color. But I do have a nifty Big Little
Book tie that I found in a London store.
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•
•
•
•
Another one of our Club
Members has very sharp eyes.
John Pansmith (Member #810)
spotted another BLB blooper. If
you look carefully at the
Mickey Mouse Sails for
Treasure Island #750 hard cover
BLB and compare it to ALL of
the soft cover versions, you will
notice that Mickey’s right arm is
colored green on the soft
covers.
•
•
•
Periodically, Random House, which owns the Whitman archives, has
been placing interesting archival items on eBay. Recently, original cover
art and paste-up pages to the 2000 Series BLBs have been up for bid.
Each of the items includes the paste-up pages and an editor’s outline of
the text opposite each captioned illustration.
•
•
A major contributor to the Big Little Times is Walt Needham, Member #1102.
He meets periodically for lunch with the “Jasmine Group” a collage of
talents —mainly authors and cartoonists and members in the BLB Club.
In early May, Walt had a birthday on the day of the luncheon — so
the group presented him with a mock up of a BLB honoring him, Walt
Needham Junior G-Man and the Strange Case of the Mad Collector. Artist
Orlando Buseno, one of the top cartoon artists today, made the book,
authentic size. The “Mad Collector” is a characterization of author Ron
Goulart. A very nice surprise birthday present for Walt.
The 2000 Series is an interesting series because it is the only BLB set in
which the interior illustrations are in full color.
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•
From time to time novels are written that include a mention of Big Little
Books. These are usually novels of period pieces or biographical tomes
that fondly remember the books.
News commentator Andy Rooney in his book My War (Thorndike Publishers, 2001), nostalgically described them
as looking like a 4” piece cut off the end of a two by four.
Born the year the first BLB was published, Pulitzer Prize Winning author
John Updike, in his essay in Life Magazine (October 1990) wrote, “How
I did love Big Little Books! They were chunky little volumes sold for 10
cents, made of single panels from a comic strip opposite a short page of
narrative text. The colorful crispness of the fat flat Big Little Book spines
stacked on my bedroom shelf and on the counters of the Woolworth’s
and McCrory’s where, on Saturday mornings, I went with my scrimped
dimes to enlarge my collection, deepened my love of all books and my
sense that, whatever else it may be, a book is a manufactured item, which
should be amusing to look at and pleasant to hold.”
Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Chabon made BLBs a key part
of a subsection of his great novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and
Clay (Random House, 2000).
Quite a few other authors have written about the influence of the BLBs
upon their decision to become writers. Author Michael Dirda in An Open
Book—Coming of Age in the Heartland (W. W. Norton and Company, New
York, 2003) quotes from Little Orphan Annie and the Ancient Treasure of Am
and tells how this and other BLBs contributed to his passion for further
reading and his eventual love for literature and writing. And Pulitzer
Prize winning author Russell Baker, in his book Growing Up (Congdon
and Weed, 1995) tells how the BLBs influenced his interest in reading and
writing. “My idea of a perfect afternoon,” he wrote, “was lying in front
of the radio rereading my favorite Big Little Book.”
In 2008 a new novel appeared in which the BLBs are a very major
theme and part of the whole book. The book, Dream City was written by
first-time novelist Brendan Short.
The story takes place in Chicago, beginning in the depression years and
following the life of Michael into his 70s. Michael Halligan, an Irish red
head, is the protagonist, appearing first at age 6. His mother reads the
funny papers to him and tapes them on his bedroom wall until the next
strip appears. In his imagination, Michael thinks of himself as Mike
Steele, Righter of Wrongs, Protector of Women, and friend to Dick Tracy
and the Lone Ranger.
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When his mother dies, he is left in the custody of his gangster father,
Paddy, and Michael loses his faith in the power of Good over Evil.
Dream City then chronicles Michael’s adventures through seven
decades as he attempts to track down a copy of every Big Little Book in
existence, find unconditional love, and make sense of an arbitrary and
unkind world. In his quest. other characters interweave with his life,
such as a man who originally worked for the Whitman Company, writing
letters to the many young fans of Big Little Books who think that their
heroes live at the Whitman headquarters.
Two reviewers of the book on Amazon.com said:
The originality of the characters drew me in and the plot twists and unique
story line kept this a wonderful, lively read. It left me still thinking about the
lead character, Michael, for a long time after finishing the book. I was rooting for
him throughout. The Big Little Books were their own character, adding both a
complexity and further originality to the work. This new author really delivers,
and I can’t wait for his next books.
The hook on this novel is the bit about Big Little Books. The mention of those
strangely attractive little chunks of escapism caught my attention and reminded
me how my mother had tossed my considerable stash of them when I was about
fourteen. After the middle of the book, Michael’s obsession with Big Little Books
really takes over.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The BLB theme adds interest to this novel for BLB collectors. This is a dramatic tale that contrasts childhood fantasies with the realities
of adult life. A worthwhile book to read this summer.
Hardcover: 375 pages
Publisher: MacAdam/Cage
ISBN-10: 1596923180
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LETTERS
Here is a quick update to Sol Davidson’s story in the last issue of the BLT concerning
Northrop Aviation which built the N2B Flying Wing that was on the cover of the Windy
Wayne BLB. People might like to know that the “Wing” has been restored!
DAVID McLAREN
Member #737
I am enjoying my membership in your club very much. The issues of The Big Little
Times that I have received have been excellent — and your reference work is truly
wonderful.
JON D. SWARTZ
Member #1287
Renewing my membership in the BLB Club is always the easiest check to write all year.
Thanks for your good work and keep ‘em coming.
A couple of issues back a gent listed BLBs for sale as “unopened”. . . sort of an extraordinary category, but it got me thinking.
How many members have actually read any - or all - of the BLBs in their collection of
how many books? Someone who has read all ten books in his/her collection is certainly
not as knowledgeable about BLBs as someone who has read 550 out of, say, 800.
Myself, I’ve read 73 out of 241 and I’ve probably forgotten some I read as a kid. Yes, I
still read ‘em from time to time - at age 77!!!
It would be interesting to poll the membership on how many books were read in what
size collection.
Another thing I think would be fun would be a vote for the BEST 5 - and the WORST
5 - BLBs and why! I think a popularity contest would be fun.
DON BRATT
Member #515
EDITOR: OK, here is a pole to see what some members will say about the above ideas. I’ll do my best to
summarize the results in a future BLT. Send to PO. Box 1242, Danville, CA 94526.
On a separate piece of paper (you don’t want to cut up this page of the BLT!), answer the following:
1. Size of your Whitman collection _____. Number of books read _____.
2. List the 5 best BLBs that you have read. Tell why.
3. List the 5 worst BLBs that you have read. Tell why.
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CLASSIFIED ADS
FOR SALE
WANTED
7 mags Astronomy S.F. 1950
(before analog)
Good to VG
March, May, July, August, October,
November, December
New Stories: Heinlein Bush,
Paul Anderson
First article on Dianetics,
Ron Hubbard.
Best offer over $4.00 ea.
$5.00 postage.
I wish to acquire Ellery Queen and the
Murdered Millionaire BLB #1471
and to dispose of
Mandrake and the Flame Pearls #1418
and
Radio Patrol Outwitting the Gang Chief
#1406.
Both VG+ Better Little Books
Contact:
GEORGE O’HANLON (Member #1034)
325 East 41st Street
New York, NY 10017
BOB WILDERMAN (Member #946)
11814 Beckett Fall
Florissant, MO 63033
RETIRING
WANTED
46 year collection of radio and
cereal premiums for sale. Tom Mix
- Orphan Annie - Captain Midnight Tom Swift - PBBs - early Cracker Jack
- early advertisement items - early
Buster Brown dishes - 1920s in box
magic sets - William Britains.
Much, much more. Contact for additional details and prices.
Tom Mix Teepee Ranch Mystery
also Tarzan of the Apes BLB
any condition if complete with spine
and no tape.
JACK BENDER (Member #822)
Route 1, Box 540
Terlton, OK 74081
B. W. MATTHEWS (Member #815)
4517 Woodoak Drive
Kingsport, Tennesse 37664-5063
matthewstm@cs.com
FOR SALE
Some BLB gems for sale,
all in VG/Fine condition:
Buck Rogers
Dick Tracy,
Little Orphan Annie,
and others.
For listing,
send email request to
c.moya@comcast.net
WANTED
Nobody pays more for your high
grade Big Little Books.
Especially looking for NM Buck
Rogers, Flash Gordon, Green Hornet,
The Shadow books. I also have high
grade books to trade or sell. Let’s
talk.
FOR SALE
Over 300 BLBs for sale. Most are FN
or better. Look at the first two issues
of this year’s BLTs for the list.
MICHAEL BARTUS (Member #949)
952-400-7000
or
MICHAEL@HOMETWINCITIES.COM
I am a collector!
BRYAN CAMPBELL (Member #977)
709 Brookside Place
Colewich, KS 67030
(316) 796-0887
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