Over My Dead Body The Sensational Age of the American Paperpack, 1945-1955

The American paperback went through a brief but gloriously subversive era during the 40's and 50's. Publishers wooed millions of war-hardened readers with inexpensive, pocket-sized paperbacks full of sex and violence. Lurid covers with square-jawed men and scantily clad women in perilous situations helped to sell these sensation-packed tales of hard-boiled private eyes, deadly dames, sex fiends, beatniks, and juvenile delinquents. Lee Server, author of the acclaimed Danger Is My Business (Chronicle Books), recounts this unique period of American publishing and describes the authors, artists, and editors who made it so memorable. Complete with over 100 colorful photographs of rare covers, plus tips on how to collect vintage paperbacks, Over My Dead Body is not only a great read, but also a useful resource for collectors and lovers of American pop culture.