For book-lovers, publishers’ catalogs are an ultimate piece of ephemera. Usually issued at least twice a year, catalogs featured both new and upcoming titles and back stock. Book descriptions often included illustrations, story summaries, publication dates, book sizes, page numbers and prices. Sometimes, order forms were included for bookstores and libraries, the principle recipients of the catalogs. Catalogs were disposable and the certain knowledge that a new, updated version would be appearing within a few months meant that they were trashed after use. Vintage examples are chock full of collector information and a mirror into the past.

This 1936 book catalog from Viking Junior Books was distributed by Carson Pirie Scott & Co. of Chicago and features an astonishing collection of titles including some that are highpoints of children’s publishing. Imagine a year in which you could offer the following new books: The Story of Ping, Ferdinand, Giant Otto and Otto at Sea, Seven Simeons, and Roller Skates (the 1937 Newbery Award-winner). As Frank Sinatra said: It was a VERY good year! In Fine condition. 5-1/2 x 6.”