Jones, Charley (pub.); Ken Berglund (ed.); Robert Bircher (bus. mgr.)
 
Charley Jones' Laugh Book (6 vintage digest magazines)
 
Wichita, KS: Jayhawk Press, 1950-62. Six vintage digest magazines, devoted to bawdy jokes, stories, cartoons, limericks, gags, et al., with a nod to WWII's returning soldiers, illustrated by some of the era's popular artists. Ran 1943-60s, monthly, ~200 issues, early issues slimmer to accommodate shirt pockets; mostly painted covers, several photo covers. Important as small-press from the Midwest (outside of Chicago), showcasing uncommon artwork by prolific artists, many would draw for Humorama. This collection particular captures the scope of the line, from early to final years. Included: October 1950, March 1954, May 1955, December 1956, May 1962, December 1962. Highlights: Al Wiseman, Reamer Keller, James Mack, Posner Murray, Stan Mapp, Bob Miller, Mary Dorman, Earl Wilson, Pete Wyma, Martin Filchock, Charles Dennis, F.C. Scott, John Billingsley, Irv Haglund, Jack O'Brien, Philippe Clairont, Bill Power, Keyes, Dare, Ted Trogdon, Bob Tupper, Art Lutner. Models Ann Daly, Peggy Connelly, Dorothy Malone, Sherry Britton. Notable 1962 issue, with vignette of Ann-Margret, Natalie Wood, Choo Choo Collins, a Beatnik Christmas rhyme, and ad for Laugh Book magazine holders. 
 
5 x 6.75 inches, 64pp, saddle-stapled. Very Good Plus overall, light foxing and creasing to a few, some with brief pencil notations, one with small bruise to front.