Vintage Parenting Book Appraisal

Dr. Benjamin Spock's Pocket Book of Baby and Child Care

This item is a vintage paperback edition of Dr. Benjamin Spock's 'Pocket Book of Baby and Child Care,' identified as a 'Cardinal Edition' with the number 'C-29' and originally priced at '35¢'. The cover features a dominant blue panel at the top and bottom, with a gold or light tan central panel on the left spine edge and wrapping around. The title and author's name are printed in white text on the blue background. A vibrant illustration of a woman (presumably a mother) looking tenderly at a baby is prominently displayed on the bottom half of the cover, set against a pinkish background. The book appears to be a smaller, pocket-sized format, as indicated by its title and the 'POCKET BOOKS INC' publisher's mark at the bottom left. Text on the cover boasts it as a 'WINNER OF THE 3D ANNUAL PARENTS MAGAZINE AWARD' and describes it as 'An authoritative, illustrated, common-sense guide for parents on the care of children from birth to adolescence.' The bottom blue panel also states 'COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.' The physical condition shows significant signs of age and use, consistent with the context of 'July 1854 used but intact' (though the publication date is clearly much later than 1854, likely mid-20th century, given the 35-cent price and general aesthetic). The edges, particularly around the corners and spine, exhibit considerable wear, fraying, and minor tearing. The lamination or protective coating on the cover shows cracking and peeling, especially visible in the blue and pink sections. Despite the wear, the overall integrity of the book seems to be intact, with no major rips that would detach large portions of the cover. The colors, while showing some fading, are still discernible. The publication style, artwork, and pricing suggest a mid-20th century origin, likely the 1950s or 1960s, aligning with the concept of a 'pocket book' from that era. The context of 'July 1854' is entirely inaccurate for this type of book, as Dr. Spock's first edition of this work was published in 1946. This particular edition's appearance (35 cent price, 'Cardinal Edition') typically places it in the 1950s. The enduring popularity of this guide means many editions were printed, and this early paperback release is a common, yet historically significant, item regarding parenting literature. Quality indicators include the robust nature of the paperback despite evident wear, suggesting it was crafted for frequent handling. The clear typography and illustrative cover are characteristic of popular mass-market paperbacks of the era. The wear and tear are consistent with a book that was frequently referenced and handled, indicating its utility and impact on its original owners.