Library Bindings- Part 2: The Three Investigators

There are varying opinions on library bindings among collectors. Because so often they are circulated, many find them to be of little to no value, therefore not worth collecting. For others, these library bindings represent the books the way they are remembered among fans. Libraries were sometimes the source of introduction to a series, despite the fact that many libraries refused to carry series books. When they were found in a library, a child might check out a certain title over and over. Nostalgia draws these buyers back to library binding books. In some cases, however, library bindings are the only way to find certain titles in a series. Thus the emphasis for collectors who want a complete collection that looks the same is drawn to these particular copies. The Three Investigators series is one such series.

The Three Investigators series was published by Random House beginning in the 1960s. Trade editions were issued, and were fairly common to find in discount stores as well as book stores throughout the 1960s and 70s. These books however have a common flaw inherent in many copies. The text box seems to crack and break away over time, creating a problem for keeping good copies of the books. Random House had library bindings created under the Gibraltar Library Bindings to create more durable books for the heavy use that a library can see. GLB books are fairly easy to identify. There are no titles listed on the back of these editions, and at the bottom, one usually sees the logo of an elephant, pictured here. One will find the illustrated endpapers reversed from the trade editions.

For a collector seeking all 43 titles of this series in hardback, one runs into a problem. Numbers 1-28 were printed in hardcover, but beginning with number 29, The Mystery of the Sinister Scarecrow, the books were published in paperback. Hardcovers continued to only be issued in GLB bindings, which were primarily marketed to libraries. These books are highly sought after by collectors, and normally will sell for anywhere of 15.00 to 50.00 each on line. Uncirculated copies often sell for 100.00 or more, especially if they appear to be never read and in mint condition. These books allow a collector to complete their collection with uniform books on the shelf. GLB books are durable, and are really better than the earlier trade editions. I have noticed that some of my books, which are sitting on the shelf, are starting to crack and separate. I may have to upgrade my collection, which has many firsts, because of the text block issues.

I have posted pictures of some of my GLB books from my collection. I was fortunate to acquire most in library sales. It is indeed a shame that the books are no longer available to today's young readers, but I feel confident that they will return at some point in time. It's a great series, and fun to collect!

More on library bindings to come...

Skeleton Island- Two Spins on the Same Title...

"The Secret of Skeleton Island". Sounds creepy, atmospheric, and definitely worth reading. If it was the 1930's and 40's, it could be a great B movie from Universal, or even better, a 15 chapter serial. In reality, it is the title found in not one but two classic children's book series! Both Ken Holt and the Three Investigators solved the secret at Skeleton Island, and did so a mere sixteen years from each other.

In 1949, Ken Holt and Sandy Allen solved the first Skeleton Island secret. The Ken Holt series was published by Grosset and Dunlap and written by Sam and Beryl Epstein using the pen name of Bruce Campbell. "The Secret of Skeleton Island" is the premiere volume in the series, and is full of action and suspense. The Epstein's create a world that will remind one of the film-noir output of Hollywood in the late 40's and early 50's. Crooks are mean and nasty, families are innocent and cohesive, and the good guys relentlessly pursue evil until the bad guys have been brought to justice.

Ken Holt's Skeleton Island is the site of a fancy resort and country club. It got its name because someone once dug up a skeleton presumably of one of the pirates that frequented the tiny island. Ken and Sandy are looking for Ken's missing father, Richard Holt of the Global News Agency. Their journey takes them from Ken's Prep School to the bustling city of New York, and soon enough to exciting adventures on Skeleton Island itself.


I just recently re-read this book, and if you have not read it, do so. It does a great job introducing readers to the new series, and the Epsteins are wonderful writers. The suspenseful, ominous mood prevalent throughout the book is proof of the talent of these two gifted people. Many consider the Ken Holt series the best of the children's book series published. I have read 4 of the 18 books in the series and have never been disappointed. I would go as far as to say that it rivals any adult mystery series currently on the market today. I was fortunate to find a first printing of this book. The inside flap features a synopsis of this and the second title in the series, "The Riddle of the Stone Elephant". The back flap features the first six Rick Brant titles, and the back lists to the 28th title of the Hardy Boys series. Whether you find a first printing, or a reading copy, pick this one up and read it! Classic series book reading at it's best!


Seventeen years later, author Robert Arthur visited a Skeleton Island found in Atlantic Bay located in the southeast coast of the United States. Another pirate hangout, this one also features an abandoned amusement park, and rumors of buried pirate treasure. The Three Investigators series was a book series created by Robert Arthur and published by Random House. Arthur was looking to create a children's series similar to the Hardy Boys, but wanted the series to highlight good writing, something he felt was lacking in other series of the era. The series consists of 43 titles in the original series. Arthur penned ten of the first eleven titles in the series, and achieved his goal of a well written series before his death in May of 1969. Jupiter, Pete and Bob's adventures were the envy of many boy book readers of the 1960's, myself included.

The Three Investigators title rivals the Ken Holt entry when it comes to danger and excitement. It's a roller coaster ride that has one surprising thrill after the other. The element of an abandoned amusement park is an inspired piece of creativity. A phantom ghost is rumored to return periodically to the Merry-Go-Round that was the scene of her untimely demise years before. The carousel comes to life whenever the ghost decides to attempt to finish her deadly ride. The park is being readied for a movie, and Alfred Hitchcock, a recurring character in the original series, sends the boys to solve the mystery so that the film can finish production.

Though lighter in tone than the Holt adventure, this book rivals it's predecessor. Arthur spins a compelling mystery of ghosts, criminals, pirate doubloons and creepy happenings. Danger abounds, and the sinister mood that Arthur creates leaps off of every page. Though you may figure out the secret before the end of the book, you may not know every surprise that the ending brings. Again I was fortunate to find a first printing of this title. The back of the book features the first six titles, listing to itself. In addition, know that the first printing incorrectly lists the first book title as "The Mystery of Terror Castle". The real title? "The Secret of Terror Castle". This is a great read, and the Three Investigators evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time of innocence that makes the whole series worth collecting and reading.

Anyone know of other book series that share similar titles? Are they worth reading as these two are?

The Case of the Cape May Series Book Author

I'm back after a relaxing weekend in Cape May, New Jersey. Cape May is a ferry ride away for me and is a beautiful place to visit. It is billed as "The Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort" and is actually celebrating it's 400th year anniversary this year. It has been preserved with beautiful Victorian homes from the 18th and 19th century. Bed and Breakfasts abound along with some beautiful hotels. Around every corner is another beautiful home to look at, and add the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, you have a pretty amazing place to visit. I stayed at the city's oldest hotel, The Chalfonte, built in 1876. Above is a pic of the hotel.


Cape May also hold's a piece of history in the world of series books. According to Seth Smolinske's Three Investigator Collectors Site, Robert Arthur lived in Cape May from 1962 until his death in 1969. Seth has a page on his website, and list's Arthur's address as 309 Franklin Street. In addition, Arthur wrote the first 10 Three Investigator's books there. After checking into the hotel and settling in, I asked where I could find Franklin Street. I was amazed to find out it was just around the corner on the next block. I had no problem finding 309 Franklin, and went to the house to take some pics. These pictures are the home as it looks now in 2009.

It was an incredible experience to stand at the location where some of my earliest series book memories began. I wonder where in the home he actually wrote his stories, where he dreamed those early stories of Jupiter, Pete and Bob. It was a privelege to see it myself, and it did feel like a special place, as is Cape May.

I did purchase a couple of Beverly Grays, but otherwise the book picks were rather slim. Hope you enjoyed the pics. I also included a couple more of the beautiful Chalfonte Hotel!