Technical Books
Here are some of the many books glorifying collectible radios. Some of them are out of print. They are all worth finding! Do you have a favorite I have missed? Let me know! Looking for schematics and service info? Click here.
Note: Many of these books contain pricing guides, which in some cases are woefully out-of-date thanks to eBay, and other phenomenon. My advice? When buying, pay what it is worth to you. When selling, ask what seems fair. Search eBay's closed successful transactions for current trends.
Sams Publishing
If you like to repair old radios, or just like to see what's inside of them, familiarize yourself with the Sams Servicing Transistor Radios series. These books are collections of schematics, photos, alignment procedures, and other service information. Each year Sams produced a number of these, and the first maybe100 or 150 volumes are of interest to transistor collectors, particularly if you can amass a compete set. Long out of print, you will need to search eBay and elsewhere using a term like "Sams transistor" to find them. I have a few for sale here. Don't confuse this series with the individual sheets for particular radios, these books are the way to go. Sams also made service documentation for tube radios and televisions. Happy hunting, and don't burn yourself with that soldering iron.
Marty and Sue Bunis
One of the "must haves" if you are interested in transistor radios of the fifties and sixties. Hundreds, (thousands?) of listings with photos of some, descriptions of all, and date of manufacture for most. The book also contains estimated value ranges, and useful introductory information. 1996, Collectors Books. Available from www.Amazon.com
Norman Smith
Mere mention of a radio in this book improves its selling price, and a big color photo--well, phew! Pretty much the pricing Bible, (along with Bunis books) Beautiful photos, a minimum of text, lots of radios. This would be the perfect collector's guide--the one you would want if stranded on an island, except for two things. First, there is no (bleeping) index. I made my own. And, second, since people really swear by this book, they sometimes get stubborn when buying or selling radios if the set's price does not meet, or exceeds the book value. This is not the fault of the author, so don't take it out on him. Times change. eBay is having its way with prices. Roll with it. Amazon usually has this wonderful book, and used ones turn up on eBay from time-to-time, which seems like poetic justice. 1998 Schiffer Publishing
Transistor Radios of the 1950s and 1960s
Handy, Erbe, Blackman, Antonier
This is possible the only radio book, that when left out on a coffee table, will start a conversation with non-collectors. But I advise against leaving your only copy on display, since it might get stolen. The layout and photos in this collaboration turn already beautiful radios into nearly sexual fetishes. Nice historical information, and an intriguing layout make this true eye candy. Sadly, it is out of print, but can sometimes be found through Amazon' search service, or on eBay and elsewhere when fools decide to part with their copy, or shuffle off their mortal coils. Find one for the coffee table, and another to hide away someplace safe! Printed in Japan. 1993, Chronicle Books.
A Collector's Encyclopedia and Price Guide
David and Robert Lane
The rather long title says it all. It's a nice collection of radios, their descriptions, price estimates, and hundreds of (mostly black and white) photos. Lots of good history here, along with tips for collectors. Not as fancy as some of the others, but a classic, and another must-have. 1994, Wallace-Holmstead Book Company. Available from www.Amazon.com
Evolution of a Classic
Norman Smith
It is always fun to read a book written by someone
in love with a subject. This is a beautifully illustrated history of Zenith
radios is the perfect example of a love affair in print. Ads, color photos, engineering
trivia, pricing estimates, and a firm dose of opinion, all beautifully
packaged. 1998, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Available from www.Amazon.com
Eric Wrobbel
Eric is another collectible radio lover, and it shows. He has created, and self-published ten books, and two video tapes, all worth owning. Buy one and you will want them all:
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Toy Walkie Talkies
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American Shirt-Pocket Transistor Radios
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Toy Crystal Radios
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Global & Zephyr Photo Guide
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Standard Photo Guide
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Realtone and Soundesign Photo Guide
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Toshiba and Trancel Photo Guide
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Sony Photo Guide
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The Regency TR-1 Family
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Favorite Transistor Radios VIDEO Volume One
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Favorite Transistor Radios VIDEO Volume Two
Here are Eric's descriptions of his books, and information on how to order them.
David and Betty Johnson
If your tastes run the gambit from crystal sets to early tube sets and novelty items, check out the Guide. Plenty of history and tips, lots of photos, and some listings with prices and manufacturing dates. Plenty of cool ads too. An intriguing trip through the early days. 1995, Krause Publications. Amazon still had it last time I checked: www.Amazon.com
Formerly Transistor Network
Robert P. Morrison
What? You are not a subscriber? You let your subscription lapse? Come on people. This is one of the last remaining conduits for our hobby. Get thee on the list, and then contribute something. In my opinion, the recent two-part article on the rise and fall of an American radio manufacture alone was worth the price of a year's subscription. Sign up now before you forget. Back issues are available too.
Eldon A. Horton
Here's another radio love affair. Eldon writes that he has only been intrigued by the old Zenith Royal 500 since 1994, but you will think he was bitten much earlier when you read his self-published book and recently updated price guide. At 20 pages, it is one of the shortest books reviewed here, but it is nicely photographed and printed, and contains a lot of useful detail, such as chassis numbers, serial number ranges, etc. Collect Zeniths? Ya gotta have it! I think you can buy these through Bob Morrison (rmorison@suwanneevalley.net).