BOMC Anniversary

Posted by Melissa Howard Apr 15, 2008

Eighty-two years ago today (April 16), the Book of the Month Club sent out its first shipment of books to nearly 5000 members. The selections were either Lolly Willows, or, The Loving Huntsman by Sylvia Townsend Warner. Within twenty years of the initial shipment, BOMC’s membership had reached 550,000.

Many in the literary community were concerned that the book club would result in cookie-cutter literature with no imagination or variety. However, no one can argue with the success of founder Harry Scherman’s brainchild. His intent was to create a “standard brand” that established itself “as a sound selector of good books and sells by means of its own prestige. Thus, the prestige of each new title need not be built up before becoming acceptable.”

BOMC has succeeded not only financially but also in achieving its goal of creating a label of prestige. Thanks to the book club, many renowned authors have had their start with books published through the club, including Margaret Mitchell with Gone with the Wind (1936), John Steinbeck with Of Mice and Men (1937), J.D. Salinger with The Catcher in the Rye (1951), and Harper Lee with To Kill a Mocking Bird (1960.