Claudia by Rose Franken (1943 Mass Market Paperback, 1^st Pocket Edition) 

·         Author:              Rose Franken (1895-1988) 

·         Cover Illustration:          Jen Nielsen 

·         Publisher:          Pocket Books   New York,  NY   U.S.A.     1943 

1^st title in the series.  A delightful story of a happy marriage – both sophisticated and naïve.  viii + 239pp + 8pp ads.

Claudia is an American literary character created by author Rose Franken.  The Claudia stories originated as serialized narratives in Redbook and Good Housekeeping magazines.  The stories focused on the Naughton family: Claudia, David (her husband), Bobby and Matthew (their sons) and relatives of the family.  The theme of the stories was that marriage was a compound of gaiety and disaster, in which the partners matured as a result of shared experiences.  

That initial series of stories grew into eight best-selling novels, two films, a Broadway play having a run of over 700 showings, a radio series and a television series.

Rose Franken (nee Rose Dorothy Lewin, 1895-1988) was an American writer and playwright best known for her Claudia stories – plus the books, films and plays based on them. 

Timing of the printing of this copy is also of interest.  This copy was printed during the time of the War Production Board (WPB) regulations limiting the materials manufacturers could use for non-military purposes.  This copy is from the 1^st paperback edition of this title probably because of those regulations.  In addition, the war regulations had a provision that any package weighting 8 ounces or less could be mailed to a serviceperson anywhere in the world for only three cents.  Pocket Books added a section that listed every title they had which could be packaged under 8 ounces at the end of this book. 

Mass Market Paperback has pink border on front cover & spine with yellow border on rear cover. No reading creases in spine, but along spine in front cover.  Gift inscription on ffep, adds no value.  Page-edges tinted red.  Some compression and storage creases in covers & spine.  Front cover taped to spine at foot because of tear.  Interior is tight, bright, clean, and unmarked. 

•    Size:  16mo – over 5¾ - 6¾” tall,      255pp.

•    Condition:  Very Good Mass Market Paperback  –  Always privately owned.   Unabridged 1^st Paperback Edition.   Out of Print.   

Copyrights 1938, 1939.  Printed in U.S.A.  Farrar & Rinehart edition published September 1939.  This copy from 1^st  printing August 1943 of Pocket Books edition.  Pocket catalog: 218.  No ISBN, LCCN, nor MSR. 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this, much like coin collectors...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.