Prosperity Book Number 80: 2275 Latest Song Hits from Radio-Stage-Screen
Ephemera, commercial print, and softcover songbook • Published by Old and New World, Inc.; anonymous commercial graphic designer
Style & Movement
Art Deco-influenced commercial design; American Depression-era popular culture ephemera
Medium & Technique
Two-color offset lithography on newsprint and cardstock; halftone photo reproduction
Creation Period
Circa 1930s (likely mid-to-late 1930s based on typography and the 'Radio-Stage-Screen' marketing)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; vertical portrait format, rectangular softcover booklet
Subject Description
A lyrics compilation booklet titled 'Prosperity Book' featuring a halftone portrait of a male performer (stylistically resembling a crooner or film star of the era). The layout features bold sans-serif and decorative typography, promotional text, and a price point of 10 cents.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows typical signs of aging for acidic paper stock from the early 20th century
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $45 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Likely mass-produced for newsstands, drugstores, or mail-order during the 1930s; individual ownership history unknown
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of Great Depression-era escapism and the democratization of music through inexpensive print media. It reflects the burgeoning influence of multi-media stardom (Radio-Stage-Screen) before the ubiquity of television.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Prosperity Book' series branding, a distinct Art Deco border, and emphasizes 'Original and Complete Words' for thousands of songs, showcasing the value-per-penny marketing of the era.
Condition Issues
Edge wear and minor fraying on the left spine edge; possible yellowing/brittleness of internal newsprint pages; minor corner bumping; potential light foxing or handling soil typical of age
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve with a backing board. Keep away from direct sunlight and high-humidity environments to prevent further acidification and tanning of the paper.