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Gf'HB 8 GJf 0 R <]( APRIL-JUNE

1943 ·PAJPBR No. 12.

Vol. 1.

Printed and published by Wm. H. Gander, P. 0. Box 60, Transcona, Manitoba, Canada.

-- In This Number --

·· Sexton Blake The Eternal By H. LECKENBY

Boyhood Memories By J. MEDCRAFT

Stories To. Rem�mber ' .By T. W. PUCKRIN

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IOc�� A ��@��@��@@@��COPY ,p 6 ISSUES .••s PUBLISHED 50c · PM•!'! 128 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR AF'RIL·JUNE, 1943 Sexton Blake The Eternal --<>-- By H. LECKENBY � OME YEARS AGO there thick-set looking gentleman, not � was a discussion in "Det- in his first youth and reminding ective Weekly" concern one a little of Arnold Bennett. ing the identity of the author of I have learned since on the the very first Sexton Blake story. authority of Fleetway House That story, entitled simply "Sex that Mr. Blyth died not long ton Blake, Detective," appeared after he gave Sexton Blake to in the second number of the the world, and I am afraid his halfpenny "Union Jack" in 1894 name was long ago forgotten. -forty-nine years ago! It was I think that is a pity. In my not a great story as Sexton Blake opinion somewhere in Fleetway stories go, there have been House or some other home of hundreds of better ones since, the Amalgamated Press there nevertheless it deserves a place should be on view a memorial in history. Incidentally this story to that modest author of nearly was republished in the "Sexton 1941. half a century ago. For did he Blake Annual" for not create the· name around The name was eventually re- which in the years that have vealed as Harry Blyth. He did, passed· since more words have I believe, write a number of been written than about any complete stories for the "U. J." other character Gf fiction? Many and its companion papers, but fascinating thoughts arise think hc was never in the front rank. ing back through the years to A short time ago I obtained a that day in the 'nineties when few halfpenny "Union Jacks" Harry Blyth first penned the and in · one of u111mm1mu•mt1no11uuu,111l!'muurmmm;uumimm1111!lltl!l•t1••m words ''Sexton them there was a �m1111m111m11mu1111m11u1111 lltlllllllllllllllUIU:HIU!lllllilllll!l

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APRIL-JUNli, 1943 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR PAGE 129

Blake is a fairly common one, Ah, but, some sceptic may say, but Sexton? Uncommon enough why give the credit to humble in very truth for a Christian Harry Blyth? What about Conan name, and probably never used Doyle? He had produced Sher elsewhere either before or since. lock Holmes before even Sexton When he evolved the plot he Blake came on the scene. Well, would little dream that in the perhaps so, but I prefer to be years to come dozens of authors, lieve that when other authors some of them not born, would were choosing a name for their write stories round the same new detective they instinctively name. Neither would he think thought of Sexton Blake rather there would come a time when than Sherlock Holmes. an actor would use the name Did that writer of the long on the stage, or that a Sexton ago write that just one solitary Blake would appear in a mys story of Sexton Blake and then terious invention called a film. leave someone else to carry him And what is still more certain on the road to fame? Of that I is the fact, that he would never cannot say, though a few other dream that at a still later day stories did appear in the half millions of people would be able penny series "U. J.," including a to hear the voice of Sexton serial, and as I have said Harry Blake at one and the same time. Blyth died before he could see No, he would certainly have the fruits of his labours. never thought of that. " To pass on to the new cen And, in naming the hero for tury. In 1903 the "Union Jack" his little story has it ever rose to the dignity of a penny occurred to you devotees of the paper, publishing a 3/6 novel for detective story that he set a that price, or so the advertise fashion in names which has ments claimed. At first the stories been copied many times since? were of a varied nature, but it Think of some of the sleuths was not long before stories of who have at times been popular Sexton Blake appeared regularly, since that day in 1894 -Nelson and he was destined to put up Lee, Kenyon Ford, Abel Link, an amazing record. From 1905 Vernon Read, Gordon Fox, to the present day his name has Dixon Brett, Stanley Dare, Fer been a household word. The rers Locke, Derek Clyde, and, war has caused the death of oh. many more. All with two many periodicals - far more syllables for the Christian name, than the last one-and killed one for the second. _many popular characters of PAGE 130 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR APRIL-JUNE, 1943 fiction. The "Detective Weekly" these years there has worked by I successor to the "Union Jack") his side that faithful Peter Pan itself bas gone, but Sexton Blake of assistants, Tinker. This still- still lives on in the Library which . young man has been through bears his name, even though the almost as many adventures as number has been reduced to his master, and been near to two a month instead of four, as death hundreds of times. When in happier days. did Tinker first appear, and who created him? That, so far, I How many stories of Sexton have been unable to discover. Blake have been written? I am afraid it would take a great deal Talking of assistants, here is of research to find that out. Can an item of interest. Turning over we get a rough Idea? Well, over the pages of No. 203 of the half 1000 "Sexton Blake Libraries" penny series "U. J." I came have been published, and possi across the announcement for bly just over 2000 stories in the the following week's story, "The "Union Jack" and "Detective Truman Mystery, a story of Weekly" combined. Then there Sexton Blake and his assistant were serials in the "Boys' We-wee." Now who was this Friend," "Boys' Herald" and predecessor to dear old Tinker? "Boys' Realm," short stories in Was he a Chinese boy? And the "Penny Pictorial," and odd how often did he appear? I stories in various other papers. certainly don't remember hear Over 3000 altogether! ing of him before. How many words? Ye gods! Pedro appears to have first How could one find that out? come on the scene in No. 100 of Suppose we say an average of the new series, in a story entitled 40,000 per story. That would "The Dog Detective." It is said give us 120,000,000. That, I hon that Beverley Kent was the au estly believe, would be an under thor of that story. That would estimate. The brain reels at the be in 1905, so Pedro is a pretty thought. It is said there are faithful old animal. something over three million How many authors have writ words in the Bible. I am not ten stories about Sexton Blake? going to work out how many A complete list would be inter books the size of the Bible it esting. I have managed to com would take to equal the history pile a list of about forty, but of Sexton Blake! there must be many more, I And throughout almost all should think. Some of those • APRIL-JUNE, 1943 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR PAGE 131

I know are Harry Blyth, W. out some good stories, as did Gil Shaw Rae, W. Murray Graydon, bert Chester, especially with his Maxwell Scott, Mark Darran, Gilbert and Eileen Hale yarns. Herbert Maxwell, Beverley Kent, Many of these authors had Cecil Hayter, Sidney Drew, Al their own special characters: lan Blair, Edwy Searles Brooks, Edwy Searles Brooks, Waldo; Robert Murray, Anthony Skene, Anthony Skene, Zenith the Al G. Hamilton Teed, Gwyn Evans, bino; G. H. Teed, Huxton Ry Gilbert Chester, Donald Stuart, mer Yvonne, Wu Ling, and G. Rex Hardinge and Lewis Jackson. M. Plummer {though he did not Who of the talented company originate the latter); Lewis Jack wrote most Sexton Blake stories? son, Leon Kestrel, and so on. That would be a very difficult With so many men penning question to answer, but I would Blake stories it was inevitable place W. Murray Graydon very that some of them drew him high in the list. H� wrote differently from others. Some several serials of considerable attempted to make him a copy length, a great number of "U.J." of Sherlock Holmes. That other stories and quite a number for mythical dweller of Baker Street the "Sexton Blake Library." seemed to solve most of his prof One could always recognize blems by his own fireside, cla� ) Murray Graydon with his fav in his stained dressing gown, to ourite expressions like "a lump the awe of the somewhat dense rose in his throat," "his voice Doctor Watson. Some of the shook with emotion," "vowed Blake staff followed the Holmes Sexton Blake." He also had his tr-adfrion, but others like Murray own Scotland Yard man, Inspec Graydon, Cecil Hayter and Rob- tor Widgeon. ert Murray kept him on the move Who was the best of the far fromthe comfort of Baker St. bunch? In my opinion, Robert I could go on writing of Blake Murray. I consider his long Con and his many adventures and federation series the finestBlake triumphs but space is limited. stories ever written. Robert In closing I will express a wish Murray was the son of W. Mur that when peace does come ray Graydon, and the mantle of there will rise from the ashes a a father never fell more worthily new "Detective Weekly" or bet on a son. ter still a "Union Jack" contain Gwyn Evans, who died a few ing the adventures of Sexton years ago at an early age, turned Blake, Tinker and Pedro. PAGEl32 THE S>rORY PAPER COLLECTOR APRIL-JUNE, 1943

STORIES TO REMEMBER

,-.,;1ffMONG the many stories styles of the two authors. In Y':!.IL that appeared in the comparison with Goodwin's fast various boys' papers of vigorous style, Harvey wrote in past years that the writer had the a cheerful satirical vein which in pleasure of perusing there are its way was irresistable. His best some that stand out vividly. One effort was "Mayo's Term." Jack was "The Gypsy of St. Simeon's," Mayo, a devil-may-care type of which ran in the "Boys' Friend." British schoolboy, is relegated to This story told of the adventures the "worst house" as a punish of a Gypsy boy who made his ment for some breach of disci debut at a large public school, pline. The author then describes and afterwards turned out to be how the "black sheep" raises the real heir to an estate which "Gable's House" to the top of was held by a self-imposed guar the' tree by his prowess in the dian. One incident which I will athletic line. Jack distinguishes always remember was a boxing himself in the usual way, foot match between Jim Wyvern, as ball, running, and so on, almost he was then known, and a pro a one-man show. Nevertheless fessional pugilist styled "The the interest never flags and the Kid." This was one of the best hero never becomes impossible descriptions of a fight I have ever like so many schoolboy heroes. read and rivalled the same kind Ross Harvey also wrote a of incident penned in Conan series of short stories entitled Doyle's "Croxley Master." After "Walker's Weekly." This was a thrilling encounter Jim Wyvern a paper run by some schoolboys triumphed. This story, in my and the scrapes they got into as opinion, was one of David Good a result of its publication gave win's best, and though he wrote full scope to the author's ingen other school stories, this one, as uity. I can well remember read far as I am concerned, tops the ing how "Walker" gave a cup as bill. a prize for some competition. Another good writer of school Finding he had not the necessary stories was Ross Harvey, who funds to buy the real article wrote for "Chums" when that Walker promptly enters the race, paper was in its hey-day, and it wins his own cup (a tin one) is interesting to compare the and then sends it offto Ireland. APRIL-JUNE, 1943 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR PAGE 133

All of Ross Harvey's stories were toire. I believe the same author characterized by a witty satire also wrote for the Newnes and a cheerful bonhomie that publications was altogether different from the Another author, whose name dramatic style affected. by other has so far not been mentioned, authors. In his own way he was is Cecil Hayter. This writer unique. He wrote for "Chums" concentrated on adventure and when that paper had not a poor ranged from north to south. feature in it. His style was reminiscent of Among Harvey's contempor David Goodwin, brisk and fast aries were Frank H. Shaw, An moving, and his work gen drew Soutar, Greville Hammer erally appeared in the "Boys' ton and Stephen Agnew. The Herald." His best story was first three wrote a good deal of "Hidden Millions," an adventure adult matter for the Cassells tale placed in "Tierra del Fuego" publications; on the other hand or Island of Fire. Another story Agnew wrote, as far as I can of similar nature was "Sunken remember, for boys only, and his Millions." Cecil Hayter also metier was adventure. "Skele wrote a good deal of the polar ton's Gold," a treasure-hunting regions, and one of his best ef yarn, was one of his best efforts forts was "The Rival Explorers," and it appeared in "Chums" telling of a dash to the North some time before the last war, Pole. Cecil Hayter also contribu probably about 1912. The author ted to the "Union Jack Library" was at his happiest in short and followers of Sexton Blake stories, where his brisk, keen will remember how the famous style seemed to show up best. detective sometimes went as far Agnew's heroes roamed all over afield as Africa in company with the world, but wherever they Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu appeared the author was never the Zulu Chieftain. There was a at fault. Unlike some writers he lot of fighting in these stories knew the environments of every and not much detective work, country, and his knowledge of and there was no mistaking who local colour was complete and wrote the stories. Cecil Hayter kept up a high level of h(erary, owed nothing to the imagina d tion. "Tracked Through Togo consistency and his stor s wer� land," "Bandits of the Old always a pleasure. to read. Guard," "A Life for Ransom," Another writer of outstand and many others which I cannot ing merit was Morton Pike, au remember were part of his reper- thor of stories of an historical PAGEl34 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR APRIL-JUNE'., 1943 nature and who wrote the only with a well-known quotation: Robin Hood serial in the "Big "Take them all in all, we shall Three" of boys' papers - the ne'er see their like again." "Boys' Friend," "Boys' Realm," -T. W. PUCKRIN. and "Boys' Herald." It was a splendid story and the only 17th December, 1942. thing I cannot remember is the title. The same author also Wanted-Nelson Lee Library; wrote "Gilbert Nameless," a early issues, loose copies or story of the apprentices of Lon bound. H. R. Cox, 73 Chelston don Town. With a similar style Road, Ruislip, Middx., England. wrote D. H. Parry,* who contri buted to "Chums" for many "The Collector's Miscellany" years. -The paper for anyone inter Among the many war stories ested in Old Boys' Books, Type that appeared in the boys' papers Specimens, Juvenile Theatre, etc. of thirty to thirty-five years ago Write J. A. Birkbeck, 52 Craigie two stand out: "A World at Avenue, Dundee, Scotland. War," by Andrew Gray, and Wanted - Magnets and Gems, "Britain Invaded," by John Tre 1907-33; also Boys' Friend Lib gellis. The first was a remarkable raries with stories by Frank piece of war prophecy in that it Richards and Martin Clifford. named Germany and Japan as Shaw, 6 Colney Hatch Lane, the principal enemies. The sec London, N. 10, England. ond was more orthodox but first-class in every way. Reckless Ralph's Such are a few of the many DIME NOVEL ROUND-UP stories that I read in my earlier A monthly magazine devoted days. With an effort of the to the collecting, preservation memory one could doubtless and literature of the old-time recall more. But enough has dime and nickel novels, libraries been said. One can only close and popular story papers of the days when you were a young * The similarity is accounted ster; 8 pages full of fine articles for by Morton Pike and D. H. and write-ups. Price lOc per Parry being the same person-so copy or $1.00 per year. Ad. I am told. The Robin Hood rates, le ·per word. serial would be "Guy of the Greenwood" in the "B. F." in Ralph F. Cummings the year 1904.-W. H. G. Dept. S. P. C., Fisherville, Mass. APRIL-JUNE, 1943 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR PAGE 133

POET'S CORNER The Master Of The Pen

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By HENRY STEELE N days of Fox and E. J. Brett The pen is mightier than I We read some tales we the sword, sha'n't forget; Of that we've often been We read of 18th century folks assured. And men with swords be Some boys today, as well as men, neath their cloaks. Get on better with the pen. With one tale I was never bored, A lad was caught the other day, It was "The Master Of The "While the sun shone he Sword"- made hay." Edward Ashcroft, hero bold, He forged some P. 0. savings At fencing, left all others books, cold. And made some cash, that's how it looks. His sword was always keen and bright, No master of the sword was he, Always ready for the fight. Far more 'cute he sought He stood up to his foes, so to be- cruel, He tried to swindle grown-up But "pinked" his man in men- every duel. He was the Master of the Pen!

The Oldest Comic Paper Characters? A glance at a recent copy of Hec1or, the latter being a non "Chips" reveals that there are descript dog of doubtful ances other comic paper charac1ers try. So Mr. Chaplin is depr�(,ed that date back further than of the honour accorded him in Charlie Chaplin in the "Funny the last issue of being the Wonder," besides Weary Willie second-oldest charac1er in the and Tired Tim. They are the British comic papers. Casey Court Kids and Homeless -W. H.G. PAGIE 136 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR APRIL-JUNE. 1943 BOYHOOD MEMORIES

-<>-- By J. MEDCRAFT ()F MY EARLY boyhood in chases. Fruit in season was ridi the far-off days of 1900 culously cheap, apples were two my fondest memories are and sometimes three pounds for of weekly jaunts to the wonder a penny, as many as ten oranges land of Hoxton Market. I lived for the same modest sum and at Dalston at the time, a district: other stuff pro rata. Sweets, which had seen better days, and plain but wholesome and with every Saturday evening, wet or out the fancy paper wrappings fine, my Mother and I departed of today, were as low as two on our pilgrimage to the Mecca pence a pound. Seems a fantas of naptha and noise. My chief tic dream compared with the target for the evening was a stratospheric prices of the pre small stall near the old Britannia sent day. Theatre presided over by an old At the upper end of Hoxton dame in bonnet and shawl with Street, once· known as Hoxton an ever present tankard in vary Old Town, stood the quaint old ing stages of partial emptiness at shop 9f the late Benjamin Pol her elbow. She did a thriving lock, and, while my Mother was trade in back numbers of all the otherwise engaged I spent a bliss popular periodicals, and comic ful quarter of an hour gazing at papers were five for a penny. the wonders in the window, the Not for me were copies of stages hanging from the ceiling "Yes or No," "Sketchy Bits," and other paraphernalia of tbe "Photo Bits" or the "Police Bud Juvenile Drama, until dragged get" skilfully inserted between away by my Mother on the first three comics for the unwary stage of our homeward journey. purchaser. I invariably got my Yet I was never personally inter five comics after a careful scru ested in the Juvenile Drama tiny of the old lady's stock. although my elder brother was Then with my precious papers an enthusiast and performed safely stowed away, I ambled several plays with enjoyable con contentedly beside my Mother fusion. But whenever in the while she attended to equally vicinity in after years I felt irre important but more prosaic pur- sistably drawn to the old shop APRIL-JUNE, 1943 THE STORY PAPER. COLLECTOR PAGE 137 and its anachronistic wares. "Varieties" and "The Garland," purchased several complete plays early numbers of "Invention," but Juvenile Drama was not in "First Rate" and "O'er Land my blood and there it ended. and Sea" Libraries in their Comic papers of that day weird and wonderful coloured contained many good serials and covers, and, best of all, a tattered many not so good. The one I pile of "Ching Ching's Own'' remember best was "The House which had been partially read to on the Heath" by Hubert Tre rags. I finishedthe process. lawney, a scientific-cum-magical Yet another advantage I en yarn about the rivalry of two joyed which counterbalanced super scientists which thrilled any restrictions imposed by poc me to the core at the time and ket money limitations. During even now tickles me to dC<1,th in school holidays I frequently more ways than one. 'yhe visited an uncle who kept a Cruise of the Octopus," als9 by newsagents' shop at Camberwell Hubert Trelawney, and "Beyond and in return for taking nominal the Golden Mist" were other charge of the shop during slack outstanding yarns. As I grew periods I was allowed to read older I turned to the halfpenny whatever books and papers I series of the "Boys' Friend," fancied on condition that I did "Marvel," "Pluck," "Union not soil them. But on Sundays, Jack" and "Surprise." Brett's when my Mother and I were "Boys of the Empire" left me occasional visitors, austerity was cold but I was delighted with the keynote and my favourite "Nuggets" and the "Boys' Cham reading was forbidden. Usually pion Story Paper." I also read I had to content myself with many Aldines but had to go a volume of the "Boy's Own warily for my Mother disap Paper," and once, during a par proved of Dick Turpin and ticularly restless spell, my aunt other highwayman and pirate handed me a volume of "Harper's yarns but saw no harm in Buf Young People," saying that I falo Bill and Robin Hood. would find Jack, Sam and Pete Then I discovered treasure in therein. Eagerly, I searched the the form of a boxful of papers book from beginning to end purchased years before by my before it dawned on me that I elder brother, carefully preserved had been hoaxed, and it was a and subsequently forgotten; early very quiet youth that finished "Nuggets" with Silverspear, Tim the evening. But, when leaving, Pippin and Jack the Valiant, a bundle of my favourite papers PAGE 138 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR APRIL·JUNE.1943 was placed in my hand with a Engineer series by Harry Belbin, warning that they were not to and later, the fine Wycliffe sch9ol be read until the next day, and series by Jack North, whose real all was well again. As the old name was J. N. Pentelow. horse-drawn bus rumbled over The St. Jim's School stories by London Bridge I watched the Charles Hamilton, who also illuminated Bovril sign on the wrote under the names of Mar South side, one of the first of its tin Clifford and Clifford Owen, kind in London, until it was commenced in "Pluck" but were lost to view. transferred to· the "Gem" and When the "Marvel" new then enjoyed a run of thirty series commenced and the Jack, three years. I had just started Sam and Pete stories appeared work when the "Gem" com regularly I was delighted, for menced and was rather disap they were my favourite charac pointed with Nos. I and 2, but ters, and it was not until Clarke this vanished when "Tom Mer Hook mistakenly introduced ry's Schooldays" began in No. 3. Algy around No. 350 that I The "Magnet" started a year dropped the paper. Of the many later and I carried on with these fine serials which appeared in two for several years. the "Boys' Friend," "Boys' Her Henderson's "Wild West Lib ald" and "Boys' Realm" between rary" and "Nugget Library," both 1902 and 1912 I cherish happy of which started in 1904/5, were memories. Discrimination is dif great favourites of mine. "Lot ficult but the two that appealed o-fun," which appeared about most profoundly - I do not the same time, carried on the claim they were the best-were unfinished serials from "Nug "Wings of Gold," by Sidney gets" and, although I had grown Drew, and "Circus Ned," by out of the comic paper stage, I Henry St. John; both "Boys' could not resist the amusing Herald" yarns, by the way. pictorial adventures of a somno lent character named Dreamy The new series of "Pluck" also Daniel or the fine school serials contained several fine series but by Derwent Miall and R. A. H. none were persevered with. First Goodyear. "Lot-o-fun" is one came stories of the Five Com of the few papers for which rades, an unsuccessful attempt I have searched in vain and I by Clarke Hook to cash in on the would give a good deal to ob- popularity of Jack, Sam and Pete. Next the Captain, Cook and (Concluded at foot of next i:iage)

.. (

APRIL-JUNE, 1943 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR PAGE 139

A 48-Y ear- Old Mystery ---<>- Exhibit "A"- ers of the 'Boys' Friend' who "Boys' Friend" No. I, January still keep fresh in their mem 29th, 1895, page 8: There is a ories the first issue of this paper large picture of a gentleman with write to point out that the por an attractive beard. Beneath it trait of Your Editor in the are the words "Your Editor." Christmas Number differs from that printed in No. I. The explan Exhibit "B"- ation is that the gentleman who "Boys' Friend" No. 47, Dec produced No. 1 of the 'Boys' ember 17th, 1895. On the Edi Friend' gave up his post shortly tor's Chat page there is a picture. after, having been appointed to of "Your Editor," differentfr om the control of another and more the first--a picture of a gentle important paper. Since then the man with a moustache but no 'Boys' Friend' has been under beard, and who is later revealed the management of the writer of to be Mr. Hamilton Edwards. these lines, and whose photo Exhibit "C"- graph was reproduced in No. 47." Exhibit "D"- "Boys' Friend" No. 50, January 7th, 1896. Quotation from Edi "Boys' Friend" No. 98, Decem tor's Chat: "A number of read- ber 8th, 1896. Quotation from Editor's Chat: "I remember one BOYHOOD MEMORIES of the paragraphs which I wrote (Conclusion) in the very first number of the tain the first hundred numbers. 'Boys' Friend.'" Now,· by patience, persever Exhibit "E"- ance and good luck I have gar ."Boys' Friend" No. 104, Jan nered most of the books which uary 19th, 1897. Quotation from brightened my boyhood days Editor's Chat: "'R. H.' is evi and can peruse at will whatso dently not a very diligent reader ever I fancy. Though stories of the 'Boys' Friend,' or other may have lost their old grip yet wise he would not ask me the the illustrations retain their question he does. He says I told charm and association grows my readers some time ago that stronger with the years. Verily, the old Editor had given up his those were the days. place, and a little later on I PAGO: 140 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR APRIL-JUNE. 1943 refer to what I said in the first British Bloods and Journals number. What I said is per For Sale-Black Bess, Blue fectly correct; but the editor skin, Mystery of Marlborough whose portrajt first appeared in House, Charles Peace the Bur the "Boys' Friend" was a gentle glar, Tom Torment, Sailor Cru man who was connected with soe, Nell Gwynne, Tyburn Tree, the paper before it was pub Charley Wag the New Jack lished. Your Editor-that is my Sheppard, Black Mask, The self-who addresses you this Royal Rake, King of the Beg week wrote the opening address gars, Jack Sheppard, Broad Ar which appeared in No. 1, and I row Jack, Outlaws of Epping have been the Editor of the Forest, Dick Turpin (Milesj, 'Boys' Friend' ever since it Adrift on the Spanish Main, started." Frank Fearless, Handsome Harry & Cheerful Ching Ching, Tom But in spite of that clear-cut Wildrake's Schooldays, Lady statement the mystery does not Godiva, Vileroy or the Horrors seem to be quite solved, as a of Zindorf Castle, Our Boys' comparison of the last two quo Paper, Young Folks, & hundreds tations will disclose.-W. H. G. more. Exchanges willingly -0-- considered; similar wanted. A Sexton Blake "Fan" Also-Runs and volumes of the "I remember my very serious following post-1900 story papers: minded friend, the late Sir Wil Aldine Half Holiday Library, liam Ramsay, famous for his Cheerful Library, O'er Land and archaelogical work in Asia Sea Library, Detective Tales, Buf Minor and his learned books on falo Bill Library, True Blue, Pauline topography, telling me Claude Duval Library (complete that he had read every one of the set), Invention Library (Frank Sexton Blake stories that had Reade), Dick Turpin Library, been published, at a time when Garfield Library, Robin Hood their total number amounted to Library, Home Library of Power about 1500 !"-Sir John Ham- . ful Dramatic Tales, Tip Top merton in "World Digest" for Tales, Henderson's Wild West February, 1943. Library, Union Jack, Marvel, Boys' Friend 3d Library. Wanted-English Comics, years John Medcraft, 1892-1906. Harris, Caynton, Llanrhos Road, Penrhyn Bay, 64 Woodlands Road, Ilford, Llandudno. Essex, England. APRIL-JUN&:, 1943 THE 5.TORY PAPER. C.OLLECTOR PAGE 141

BRITISH BOYS' PAPERS WANTED

Boys' Friend Library-All Pluck Library-years 1906-7, stories by Martin Clifford, Pros No1. 106-122. per Howard; Frank Richards, Holiday Annual_;Years1920 Owen Conquest and Richard to 1924. Randolph. Chuckles-Any issues. Gem Library-Nos. 3, 5, 6, l 0, 11, first or �d. series. New Nelson Lee Library-No. 24 series Nos. 1-304, 329, 375, 407 of the last (4th) series. (with supplement), 437-469, 603, Empire Library-Nos. 8, 13, 620-627, 629, 631, 635-654, 656- 14, 20, 21, 26 of first series. 698, 1501, 1507, 1510, 1514, Triumph-Nos. 812 and 814. 1520, 1606, 1610.

C. F. F. RICKARD 2026 West 4lst Ave., Vancouver, B. C., Canada.

-A Feature Of The Next. Issue- " WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS" By Henry Adams Puckrin

A Glimpse of the Past •·

"19th Century Peep - Show"

A Sentimental Monthly Recollection and Review of the One Time Favorite but Now Almo&t Forgotten Novels and Story Papers, Games, Puzzles, Tricks, Toys, Nicknacks, and Miscel laneous Diverting Entertainments and Amusements of Past Times. $1 a Year, lOc a copy. Published by

Fred T. Singleton 2000-B S. W. Red Road, Coral Gables, Florida, U. S. A. PA•H t42 THE STORY PAPER COLLECTOR APRIL-JUNE. 1943

WANTED FOR SALE

EXCHANGE

Science-Fiction Magazines- Magnets - pre - 1930, wanted, "Railroad Magazines" - and any numbers. Corbett,49 Glyn most others; write us your Back Farm Road, Quinton, Birming Number wants. The School Book ham, England. Shop, 530 Ellice Avenue, Win- · nipeg, Manitoba. Wanted- Id. Boys· Friend, Realm, Big Bu:dget, Boys' Leaders, 71d. Sports Library, The Geographical Magazine early Id. Nelson· Lee Library. -Wanted: 3 copies of February, H. Dowler, 86 Hamflton Road, 1942, issue. This is the Geogra Manchester, 13, England. pical published in London, not the National Geographic. Write Wanted - Nelson Lee Lib'ys, Wm. H. Gander, Transcona, year 1917, Nos. 112 to 118; Canada. year 1921, Nos. 305 to 311. F. Keeling, 93 Aldridge Ave WANTED nue, Stan more, Middlesex, England. The Following Story Papers

"Magnet Library "-See Want "The Collector's Guide"- List, "S.P.C." No. 7, page 76. Issued quarterly by A. C.' Cleeves Sculthorpe, 82 Lichfield "Boys' Friend" (New Series) Road, Coleshill, Warwickshire, See Want List, "S.P.C." No. 8, England. 8d. (20 cents) per page 90. copy. "Greyfriars Herald" (New Series, 1919-22) later "Boys' Wanted-Aldine ld. Dick Tur- Herald"-Nos. 9, 15,30, to end. pins, early issues of Magnet, Gem, Penny Popular, and Comic "Boys' Friend 3d. Library" 'Papers, particularly Chuckles. -No. 288, Jan., . 1915: "The Also interested in old volumes

_ Boy Without a Name," by containing coloured plates of Frank Richards. wildflowers, butterflies, birds or fishes. Alfred: Horsey, 60 Sal WM. H. GANDER combe Rd., Walthamstow, Lon Transcona, Manitoba, Canada don, E. 17, England. I "'