Big Little Book collection
Selected covers from the Big Little Books collection.
Collection area: Literature
Collection dates: 1927-2016
The Big Little Books collection contains hundreds of illustrated books published between 1927 and 1945. Books are arranged alphabetically by title. Author, publisher, and book number are also listed for each book. Series I contains books produced by Whitman Publishing Company, Saalfield Publishing Company, and Lynn Publishing Company. Series II through Series IV contain specific types of publications, such as Big Big Books, Fast Action Books, etc. Series VII contains a variety of pamphlets and materials about Big Little Books.
The Whitman Publishing Company in Racine, Wisconsin published Big Little Books from 1932 to 1949. These books were small in size, usually around 3.5 by 4.5 inches, but promised big entertainment for only a dime. Each book featured full-page illustrations opposite each page of text, with material mostly drawn from radio, comic strips, books, and movies. Over time, Whitman began producing variations of this format, including Better Little Books, Big Big Books, Penny Books, and various premiums in partnership with stores, radio shows, and brands. Other publishing companies sold books in styles similar to the Big Little Books, including Saalfield’s Little Big Books and Jumbo Books, Dell’s Fast-Action Books, and Engel-van Wiseman’s Five Star Library Books.
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