I don't know if this children's anthology has been discussed previously on the Booksellers' Board: Better Homes and Gardens Story Book.
The first edition was published in 1950 and is distinguishable from later editions by the Pledge of Allegiance not containing the phrase "Under God," which was added to the Pledge in 1954 at the urging of President Dwight Eisenhower, and revised in later editions.
The edition I recently sold had an original dustjacket (of sorts!) which I had never seen before. The book was covered in a clear acrylic wrapper and under the front flap of the acrylic cover was this removable paper insert, which remarkably had never been discarded from the copy I sold:
Just wanted to throw this bit of info out there, because you always see these books in their hardcover condition without the removable paper insert and until I saw this one, I didn't know it existed.
Incidentally, I sold my copy for $50 as a Buy-It-Now to a woman in Florida who happily stated, " I am so excited to receive this book. It was given to me by my grandfather in 1953. Because of my travels, I was not able to keep it many years ago....but have truly missed the stories and memories from each time I read this book."
Thank you for the quick response. "Stan" does not seem to be active anywhere since about 2015. There certainly isnt a clear way to contact him on that blog, that is for sure.
As for my copy of this book. I think it is a First Edition. It hits the 1st Edition points, but I bought it for the signatures more than the edition, to be honest. Here is a picture:
I have been in touch with MWB's latest biographer, Amy Gary, who has worked with MWBs work for over 30 years and have identified the Golden MacDonald Signature, with her help, as a spot on match, so I am confident in that.
As for Stated First Edition. I see that other websites have listed the following charactheristics as 1st editon:
1) Spine color Black - yes
2) Flap Price = $2.50 - yes
3) First Edition Statement - yes
4) NO mention Junior Literary Guild on Title Page - unsure. The title page on my books DOES NOT mention "Junior Literary Guild" anywhere, which is a very specific designation, however, on the title page of my book it says
THE LITTLE ISLAND
by Golden MacDonald
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY
Leonard Weisgard
Junior Books, Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, N.Y.
So maybe the "Junior Books" thing is what is meant by "Junior Literary Guild" however, if that was indeed the identifying mark, you would think one would say "Does NOT say "Junior Books" on title page" so Im leaning toward it being a legit 1st edition.
I honestly dont care though, in my dealings with Amy Gary, she advised that in her 30 years she never came across a signed MWB Book. So I am extremely happy to have this.
