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.

A List of Books for Little Folks, Boys and Girls, and Young People is a 1916 book catalog from Houghton Mifflin and Company features cover art by Willy Pagony and black and white illustrations throughout. This is as much a study in sociology and the history of childhood as it is a treat for bibliophiles. Measuring 5-1/2 x 8,” this 104-year-old, 36-page catalog is in Fine condition.