Pocket Books 1 (1939). Cover by Isador N. Steinberg
Although "Lost Horizon" published in 1939 is identified as Pocket Books No. 1, it isn't the first paperback that Pocket Books published. The first paperback is the 1938 edition of "The Good Earth" that Pocket Books test marketed in New York City. That paperback is extremely rare and commands a hefty price because it was actually the first paperback book in the United States.
Pocket Books 1 (1939). Cover by Isador N. Steinberg
Although "Lost Horizon" published in 1939 is identified as Pocket Books No. 1, it isn't the first paperback that Pocket Books published. The first paperback is the 1938 edition of "The Good Earth" that Pocket Books test marketed in New York City. That paperback is extremely rare and commands a hefty price because it was actually the first paperback book in the United States.