UnderCover: An Illustrated History of American Mass Market Paperbacks.
New York: Penguin Books, 1982. First Printing of the First US Edition. A Fine copy of this paperback original. the "paperback revolution" only took place after Pocket Books began to be distributed by magazine wholesalers to cigar stores, train stations, and five and tens. Hardbacks sell by author recognition, word-of-mouth, reviews; not so the paperback: The cover sells the content, since much paperback buying is thought to depend on impulse. Packaging must therefore attract the passerby, encourage him to pick up the book, read its endorsements, look over the opening pages. And, if all goes according to plan, buy it. The intimate history of paperbacks may be read in such covers, many reproduced in this lavish Penguin paperback. Illustrated with numerous black & white and color covers. Item #26912
Price: $50.00