BEATLES BOOKS AND SPECIALIZATION OF TOPICS: BUBBLE GUM CARDS
Did you ever in your wildest dreams ever believe there would one day be a book issued of more than 400 pages that dealt with the subject of Beatles bubble gum cards??? If you were fortunate enough to be clairvoyant, you would be happy to see that in 2015 that wish would be fulfilled.
Part of the dilemma of any author seeking out subject matter for writing a unique and distinct Beatles book with a different angle is what do you write about that has not been covered before in the more than 3,000 English language Beatles books that are out there in the marketplace?
This question has been answered in the term “specialization.” Take a well-focused special micro-subject that has not been dealt with in book form before that may appeal to a special segment of Beatles collectors such as Beatle Bubble gum card collectors, which could also would have an overlap appeal to Beatles book collectors.
This book by Mark Swearingen with contributions by Rob Foust was a very pleasant and entertaining addition to my Beatles book collection. The following title deals with the issuing over the years of Beatles bubble gum cards.
The book was issued in two variations (black and white vs. color edition). The title can be ordered at Amazon and several other book search services including Ebay and Abe Books!
Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Sept. 14, 2015)
Author: Mark Swearingen Major Contributions by Rob Foust
As stated previously, there were two editions of this book. One featured the book photos in black and white. I did get this copy for my collection, but I preferred the 2nd deluxe color edition (the 2nd photo on the post). So, being the Beatles completist book collector that I am, I also purchased the color edition:
The Deluxe color edition:
Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Deluxe edition
422 pages
Publication date-September 12, 2015
Author Mark Swearingen and major contributor Rob Foust are to be highly complimented with this great contribution of a book about collecting Beatle bubble gum cards. As time goes by it is my sincere hope that other authors will pick up the gauntlet and tackle other subjects such as this that will help to fill in the gaps in our Beatles knowledge-base.
When I had completed this post, a subscriber of the blog noticed the 2 versions of the above title and he informed me he had a different version of the book published in 2012 by 2 Moon Press. I did some research and this apparently was the first pressing of the book and it was clouded in some controvery concerning the publisher. The end result is the author was able to find another publisher and published the titles above as a result. Since this copy represented a more obscure version of the book for my collection, I was excited to work out a trade for it. It highlights the importance of networking in the world of collecting!
The earlier 2012 version of the book:
WHAT SPECIALIZED BEATLES SUBJECT?
Would like to end this post with a question….What specialized Beatles subject matter would you like to see be covered in a new book? Tell us why you would like to see a book about that subject! Looking forward to your comments!
BUZZ
FEATURED BOOK
Guide to The Beatles London
The book is divided into the followings sections:
The Story of The Beatles in London. A chronological history from their first visit to London to their break-up.
A walking tour of The Beatles London. A three hour walking tour around major Beatles locations in Central London.
Drive My Car. Other Beatles locations in and around London.
Further Information for Beatles Fans. More information of use to Beatles fans coming to London.
Thanks for sharing Buzz! I painstakingly collected multiple series of American Beatles bubble gum cards in the late 70s starting with a 1964 Color Cards complete set for $15 (thanks Beatlefest marketplace). You’ve struck my interest with this book – are these photos of bubble gum cards from all over the world? I would like to say I got all of their American sets of cards but I didn’t. The original 1968 Yellow Submarine cards were too expensive for me!
Jennifer-here is the synopsis of the color edition found on Ebay. Hope this description will be of help to you:
Over 2,300 Bubble Gum Card images of The Beatles from 1959 to 1970. Over 20 sets of trading cards with images on the fronts and backs. It even includes many “Bootleg” sets with very rare images. There are even several sets from foreign countries rarely seen in the US.Live “Beatlemania” through these images and invaluable information on the backs; Bios, stats, quotes and thoughts by the “Fab Four”.This is a hefty book with over 400 pages IN COLOR! 81/2″ x 11″. A great “Coffee Table” book or a gift for that fan or fan to be!, Over 2,300 Bubble Gum Card images of The Beatles from 1959 to 1970. Over 20 sets of trading cards with images on the fronts and backs. It even includes many “Bootleg” sets with very rare images. There are even several sets from foreign countries rarely seen in the US. Live “Beatlemania” through these images and invaluable information on the backs; Bios, stats, quotes and thoughts by the “Fab Four”. This is a hefty book with over 400 pages IN COLOR 81/2″
Thank you Buzz!!
The copy that I have was published in 2012 by 2 Moon Press. No mention is made of black and white or color photos. Most of the photos are black and white but it does include some color photos.