Printed and published by Publicity Press (1938) Pty Ltd, 71-75 Regent Street, Sydney; no date but estimate 1945; b/w illustrations; colour card covers;
Softcover with card covers
No of pages: 64 including 3 pages of list of John Mystery books at rear
Size: 28 x 21 cm
Unpacked weight: 150g
Book Condition: BB* vintage condition; paper browned with age; small stain near rear;
*please see seller's condition ratings at end of this listing to help evaluate book's condition
I COMBINE POSTAGE
John Mystery books were extremely popular in Australia during the War, often being the only locally produced children's books available. They were distributed mainly through the major department stores. Many John Mystery books were printed on poor quality or even yellow paper, all that was available during the war years. Marcie Muir has correctly identified John Mystery as Lester Sinclair (1894-1974). All John Mystery books have one of three imprints: ‘Publicity Press (1938)', ‘Lonsdale & Bartholomew’, or ‘John Mystery's Productions’. None of the John Mystery books have a date of publication. The ‘1938’ in the Publicity Press imprint is not a date of publication but was added to the imprint in 1938. Probably the best way of dating John Mystery books is by the ‘Dear Cobber’ letters; from references to the war or in some cases to the length of time, an approximate publication date can be determined; for example: ‘It is over five years now that we have been friends’ (= 1945)
* Seller’s Condition rating for vintage and collectable books:
*AA down to *BB – cover and pages are mostly clean and unmarked. There may be some minor rubbing or minimal creasing on spine. Binding is tight. No apparent writing or scribbling. Some older books may have page yellowing or browning. Excellent collectable quality.
*CC – cover and pages may have minor marks, blemishes and/or creasing. There may be some rubbing or creasing on spine. All pages are intact and binding is tight. Previous owner’s name or gift inscription may be written and/or covered by bookplate. Some older books may have age yellowing, browning and foxing. Still very good collectable quality.
*DD – visible signs that the book has had good pre-loved life. Cover, pages and spine will have noticeable marks, blemishes and or creasing, including writing on front or back pages. Endpapers may have been removed. Pages may be browned and foxed.
*EE significant visible signs of wear and tear. There may be writing or scribbling within the text. Pages may be loose or torn. Cover, pages and or spine will have major noticeable marks, blemishes and or creasing.
*FF:- There may be missing pages, tears or other significant defects as noted. Binding may be loose or have parts missing. Books are only sold in FF* condition due to scarcity or are highly collectable.
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