Today I am adding a new book to the picture database for the Young People’s Library Format 3. These books seemingly can be hard to date and categorize but a few simple directions can make any difficulties vanish.
First note the spine on this book. There are four different Young People’s Library formats and they are distinguished by their spines. This spine defines the book as a Format 3 volume. Some example spines are shown. For a look at all four format spines see: http://henryaltemus.com/ypl/index.htm
Once you know the format number (here it is format 3), you know the dates of publication. Format 3 books were published between 1902 and 1923. See: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series202F3.htm
To date your book more exactly there is a flow chart on the series page. The ads in the back are the key. My book lists the Automobile Girls to #4. Based on the chart that makes it a 1911-1912 book.
If the book is post-1911:
1. 1911- Automobile Girls #3
2. 1911-1912- Automobile Girls #4
3. 1912-1913 Automobile Girls to #5
4. 1914-1919 Automobile Girls #6/Dave Darrin #1
5. 1920- In the Wee Books for Wee Folks ad, the book at the top of the second column is The Cock, The Mouse and the Little Red Hen. The Grunty Grunts’ books are not listed.
6. 1921-1922- Lists Grunty Grunts in Wee Books for Wee Folks ads
7. 1923 Lists I Don’t Want to go to Bed in Wee Books listing.
Books that were published between 1902-1911 use this part of the flow chart.
If 1902-1911:
1. Is Vic listed in the ads for the Young People’s Library. If yes, the book is 1902-1906. If not, 1907-1910.
2. If Vic is listed, do the ads have Wee Book, Banbury Cross Series- If yes: 1904-1906. If no: 1902-1904.
3. If Vic is not listed, if Mother Stories are listed to title #6- 1907-1908 is your print year. If it lists the Little Men and Women Series to title- Little Lady-Her Book, then the book was published in 1908-1909.
4. If Vic is not listed and the last book in the Little Men and Women Series is Helen’s Babies then your book is from 1908.
5. If Vic is not listed and Automobile Girls to title #3 but no Stories from History books-1910.
