Americana



Sell Books, Enroll in Wholesale Scheme! Attractive 19th Century Publishers' Advertisements  

2pp double-sided newspaper page featuring a half-page of lovely product illustrations. Titles sold by the Historical Publishing Company, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, ca. 1887-1888. Printed on pale blue paper. With light expected paper folds, else near fine. 6.25" x 10.125".  

Front page: The company introduced its "People's Wholesale Purchasing Agency" to prospective bookselling agents. A membership granted significant savings, resulting in "no more complaints of 'hard times.'"  

Back page: Testimonials from Wholesale Program enrollees in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, Arkansas, and Missouri. "Our special plans insure a large and pleasant business. No capital or previous experience necessary. Try, and we will show you what can be done…There is no humbuggery about what we offer. All we ask is a fair trial, and we will convince you that we are in earnest and mean business."  

The Historical Publishing Company proliferated thousands of popular books throughout the United States in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. It often published the works of James William Buel, known by his pen name J.W. Buel (1849-1920), the author of dozens of adventure books. Buel explored natural history, human interest stories, and travel accounts of Africa, the American West, and Siberia; celebrities including outlaws; and natural wonders found on land, sea, and in cities. His books, while informative, also relied on sensationalist tactics, and were profusely illustrated to appeal to mass audiences.  


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