Boys' Friend Library.
The Boys' Friend Library was published by the Amalgamated Press, being
founded by WH ("Willy") Back, in September 1906 and lasted until wartime
paper shortages ended its run in June 1940.
It was initially conceived as a vehicle
for the hugely popular Jack, Sam & Pete stories, written by S. Clarke
Hook, with the first two titles being dubbed the Jack, Sam & Pete
Library. However, Back quickly recognised that a wider range of authors
would have a broader appeal, and the Boys' Friend Library was born.
In all, there were 1,440 issues in 2
series. The stories were largely reprints of stories that had appeared
in the large stable of Amalgamated Press storypapers, and included
adventures, school stories, sporting tales, historical fiction, crime
and science fiction by many of the most notable and famous authors of
the day, including Leslie Charteris (creator of the Saint), WE Johns
(Biggles), Jules Verne, Charles Hamilton (of Billy Bunter Fame), and
many more.
The stories were a perennial favourite
with schoolboys of all ages, being conveniently pocket-sized, with
beautifully illustrated covers.
The list and cover scans of the Boys'
Friend Library were kindly supplied by Dr Nandu Thalange. This section is 'work in
progress', if you can help with cover scans or more information on the
publications then please contact
me. To reduce loading time I have
split the BFL section into two parts. The first series is available
here, the new series is
available here. |
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