Wonderful Halloween graphics are the recurring themes through most of these books. Find out what your stuff is worth, what's missing, discover a new Holy Grail for your collection or just enjoy the books by themselves.
Several of these books are no longer currently being published, but are readily available on the Internet. Click on the Check Prices link on the reviews to find out where they can be found and how much the books cost.
1. Vintage Halloween Collectibles, Book I
There's a reason why this book is first on my list. It's the premier book for Halloween collectors by Mark Ledenbach's book. It's not only a pictorial feast, the documentation provided will be invaluable for both the expert and novice collector of Halloween memorabilia.
2. Vintage Halloween Collectibles, Book II
I can't imagine any serious or wanna-be serious Halloween collector not having/wanting both of Mark B. Ledenbach's books in their library.
The Dean of Halloween knows his stuff and is the Halloween expert that even the most knowledgeable of collectors go to for help. His first book is widely cited in print, online and in Halloween auctions. This book, the 2nd edition, will soon be another go-to book for collectors and experts alike.
You won't be disappointed, I guarantee it!
3. Timeless Halloween Collectibles, 1920 - 1949
Another book with incredible illustrations and pictures. Author Claire Lavin explores The Beistle Company and their numerous Halloween products in depth. Lavin worked closely with the company and in fact, mentions that "literally all the information contained within these pages was literally taken from the company's archives of catalogues and material."
4. The Halloween Catalog Collection
I first became acquainted with The Halloween Catalog Collection when chatting with Mark Ledenbach, the author of two outstanding books on Halloween. He said this book was a must-have. That's good enough for me and all I had to hear.
5. Bethany Lowe's Folk Art Halloween
Halloween and folk art lovers will go crazy over this book. It's one of the best craft project books I've seen. It's filled with clear pictures, well-written instructions and templates to copy.
6. Time for Halloween Decorations
Lavin's second book on Halloween collectibles and decorations fills in a few items not covered in her first book Timeless Halloween Collectibles, 1920-1949. This book shows Halloween collectibles made by Beistle in the 1950 - 1985 time period, as well as other companies that produced Halloween items.
7. Halloween Favorites in Plastic
Author Charlene Pinkerton's book Halloween Favorites in Plastic covers plastic pieces from the 1950s through the 1990s when the book was published. Pictured are items from companies such as Rosbro Plastics, Union Products, The Miller Electric Company. Fun World, Inc., Empire Industries and Hallmark.
Note: This is an older book, but still available online.
8. Halloween Costumes and Other Treats
Authors Stuart Schneider and Bruce Zalkin explore the world of Halloween costumes in their book, Halloween: costumes and Other Treats. Flip the pages and you'll probably find the costumes worn during your childhood or at least the one you wished your parents let you buy.
Note: This is an older book, but still available online.
9. Holiday Plastic Novelties, The Styrene Toys
This book was originally published in 1999 by author Charlene Pinkerton, who also wrote the book Halloween Favorites in Plastic. This book is similar in layout to the Halloween book, but covers all the holidays: Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving. This book would be best for someone who doesn't want to add a lot of books to their library, but would still like information about the various plastic toys produced over the years.
Note: This is an older book, but still available online.
