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 1926 book catalog from Longmans, Green and Company features beautiful wrap-around cover art and striking black and white illustrations throughout. What were children reading nearly 100 years ago? This remarkably preserved 32-page catalog provides answers. 5-1/2 x 7-3/4.”