Collector Books of Paducah, Kentucky, has released the second edition of its popular volume, Antique & Contemporary Ad-vertising Memorabilia by B.J. Summers. The latest edition has been largely expanded, with over 1,000 new listings and photos, plus updates on current listings. All listings indicate the condition of the item, and are keyed to indicate whether the value assigned was derived from an auction, collector, or dealer. Designed to be a tool for the beginner as well as the advanced collector, with its easy-to-use alphabetical format and clear, full-color photographs, this book will be wanted by every collector and dealer for their research libraries.
Antique & Contemporary Advertising Memorabilia puts into perspective why this collecting specialty has seen tremendous growth in recent years. In the Introduction B.J. Sommers asks, "What would you be willing to give to return to a slower, simpler time of life - before the scenes of 9/11 were forever etched in your mind, when you could sit on your porch swing and enjoy an ice cold bottle of Coke with peanuts?" He answers his own question this way: "Most of us would, and some of us do, give almost any amount of money to be able to recapture that peaceful place. Our key to that world is through advertising." What follows in the next 350 plus pages is a comprehensive listing of advertising for everything from Acme Cowboy Boots to Zipp’s Root Beer, and everything in be-tween. Sommers makes it clear that his purpose in preparing the book is not to set prices but to report market values, because, as he says, "A well-educated collector is always one step ahead of the collecting crowd."
Related books by B.J. Sommers include: Collectible Soda Pop Memorabilia; the Pocket Guide to Coca-Cola; and Value Guide to Gas Station Memorabilia.
Look for Antique & Contemporary Advertising Memorabilia in bookstores, or order from the publisher. Phone (800) 626-5420; write care of P.O. Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009; or order online at www.collectorbooks.com.