Lost Horizon by James Hilton (1941 Paperback)

• Author:   James Hilton (1900–1954)

• Publisher:   Pocket Books, Inc., New York, NY U.S.A. 1941

Flying out of India, a light aircraft is hi-jacked and flown into the high Tibetan Himalayas. The passengers on board anxiously await their fate, among them Conway, a talented British consul. But on landing they are unexpectedly conducted to a remote valley, a legendary paradise of peace and beauty, known as Shangri-La. Have they been kidnapped or rescued?

James Hilton (1900–1954) was an English novelist best remembered for several best-sellers, including Lost Horizon and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. He also wrote Hollywood screenplays. Pocket Books, which pioneered the publication of small, soft-cover, inexpensive books, picked Lost Horizon as its first title in 1939. For that reason, the novel is frequently called the book that began the "paperback revolution."

It was also the basis for the large budget, multi Academy Award nominated 1937 Columbia Pictures film of the same name directed by Frank Capra, starring Ronald Colman, Jane Wyatt and H. B. Warner.

Mass Market paperback has both covers although about a third of the spine is missing. Covers and spine have creases as this was a often read copy carried in a pocket. Cover & spine taped together for support. Name on fly-leaf and some writing/notes in front of book, but not in text. Interior is tight, clean and otherwise unmarked. 239pp plus ads.

• Size:  16mo - over 5¾ - 6¾" tall, 239pp

• Condition: Acceptable Mass Market Paperback – Always privately owned, Signed no value.

Copyright 1933. This Pocket Book edition (1939) is the 3rd edition, assured to be complete and unabridged. Thiis copy is from the 13th printing of that edition, December, 1941. Cover has a "1" printed on front at head of spine. No ISBN, LCCN nor MSR.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new”.  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.

Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” The most likely condition

for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or

a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1^st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1^st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1^st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.

Thanks for looking!