Claudia by Rose Franken (1943 Mass Market Paperback, 1st
Pocket Edition)
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Author: Rose Franken (1895-1988)
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Cover Illustration: Jen Nielsen
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Publisher: Pocket Books
New York, NY U.S.A.
1943
1st
title in the series. A delightful story
of a happy marriage – both sophisticated and naïve. viii + 239pp + 8pp ads.
Claudia
is an American literary character created by author Rose Franken. The Claudia stories originated as serialized
narratives in Redbook and Good Housekeeping magazines. The stories focused on the Naughton family: Claudia,
David (her husband), Bobby and Matthew (their sons) and relatives of the
family. The theme of the stories was
that marriage was a compound of gaiety and disaster, in which the partners
matured as a result of shared experiences.
That
initial series of stories grew into eight best-selling novels, two films, a
Broadway play having a run of over 700 showings, a radio series and a
television series.
Rose Franken
(nee Rose Dorothy Lewin, 1895-1988) was an American writer and playwright best known
for her Claudia stories – plus the books, films and plays based on them.
Timing
of the printing of this copy is also of interest. This copy was printed during the time of the
War Production Board (WPB) regulations limiting the materials manufacturers
could use for non-military purposes. This
copy is from the 1st paperback edition of this title probably
because of those regulations. In
addition, the war regulations had a provision that any package weighting 8
ounces or less could be mailed to a serviceperson anywhere in the world for
only three cents. Pocket Books added a
section that listed every title they had which could be packaged under 8 ounces
at the end of this book.
Mass
Market Paperback has pink border on front cover & spine with yellow border
on rear cover. No reading creases in spine, but along spine in front
cover. Gift inscription on ffep, adds no
value. Page-edges tinted red. Some compression and storage creases in
covers & spine. Front cover taped to
spine at foot because of tear. Interior
is tight, bright, clean, and unmarked.
•
Size: 16mo
– over 5¾ - 6¾” tall, 255pp.
•
Condition:
Very Good Mass Market Paperback – Always
privately owned. Unabridged 1st
Paperback Edition. Out of Print.
Copyrights 1938, 1939. Printed in U.S.A. Farrar & Rinehart edition published September
1939. This copy from 1st printing August 1943 of Pocket Books edition. Pocket catalog: 218. No ISBN, LCCN, nor MSR.
Notes
on Condition/Edition ratings:
Fine – means like new, but any book produced
over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Booksellers needed
some word to describe this, much like coin collectors...
Like New – A new book, no marks no damage
(except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained
directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.
Good – How someone else might take care of a
book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for
books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously
owned.
Acceptable – How a young child, student or a
librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone
doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious
notes or a book that has been damaged.)
Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors
above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you
should ask).
Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense.
e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.
1st Thus –
Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new
illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition.
A collector might desire this copy.