Photoplay Editions: A Collector's Guide

Photoplay editions—movie tie-in books published in conjunction with the release of the film—were first published around 1912, reached their height in the 1920s and 1930s, and continue, sporadically, to be published today. (And stage play editions go back to the 1890s.) For many lost films of early Hollywood, photoplay editions can be the most tangible reminders that they ever existed. The most popular, such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and King Kong, sell for thousands of dollars on those rare occasions when they are offered.

Two text chapters trace the history of photoplay editions to the present and discuss the major and minor publishers and the various formats that developed. The condition, popularity, demand, and value of photoplay edition books are also discussed. Part One is a list of American (including Canadian) photoplay editions listed by book title and including such details as the author, publisher, date published, alternate titles, type of dust jacket and the number of photographic stills, main credits, and the estimated value in U.S. dollars. Part Two is a simple list by author of these photoplay editions. Parts Three and Four follow the same format but are listings of British (including Australian) photoplay editions. Part Five lists stage play editions by book title (with full data) and Part Six is a simple list of stage play editions by actor or actress.