Humorous Fiction Appraisal

MAD AT YOU! #40 Warner Books Paperback

This item is a copy of 'MAD AT YOU!', identified as #40, from the popular humor magazine series Mad. It appears to be a digest or paperback collection of material previously published in Mad magazine, as indicated by the 'WARNER BOOKS' logo and publication number '51-25 76-977' along the spine on the front cover. The physical characteristics indicate a standard paperback book size, likely between 6.5 to 7.5 inches in height and 4 to 5 inches in width. The cover is made of paper, possibly a coated stock, and features full-color lithographic printing. The dominant colors on the front cover are red for the 'MAD' logo, black for 'AT YOU!', and various skin tones and a vibrant blue for the character's turtleneck sweater. The central image is a caricature of Alfred E. Neuman, the magazine's mascot, making a comical face. He is depicted with his characteristic freckled, reddish-brown hair, wide-set eyes, and missing front tooth, comically pulling at his ears and sticking out his tongue. This specific image of Alfred E. Neuman is iconic and instantly recognizable. Visible condition issues include significant wear along the edges and corners of the cover, particularly the top and bottom of the spine, suggesting frequent handling and storage imperfections. There are also surface scuffs and scratches across the front cover, visible as lighter streaks against the darker printed areas, indicating general shelf wear or age-related deterioration. The lack of vibrant sheen could also imply some fading or a matte finish to the cover. The visible binding appears to be perfect bound (glued), common for paperbacks of this era. Given the Warner Books imprint and the visual style, this book most likely originates from the 1970s or early 1980s, a period when Mad Magazine's popularity was high and such collections were frequently published. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced paperbacks, with the quality of the cover illustration being a standout feature. There are no discernible unique markings beyond the standard publication information. The overall condition suggests a well-read copy, consistent with a humor book enjoyed by many.