Beatles 1964 Official Coloring Book — Saalfield/Peerless #5240

First-year Beatlemania artifact: the 1964 Beatles Official Coloring Book, published by Peerless Manufacturing Company of Detroit and distributed by The Saalfield Publishing Company of Akron, Ohio under license from Nems Enterprises, Ltd. The yellow photographic cover reproduces the group's signature early-era portrait — all four members in matching dark Mod suits, instruments in hand — with "Authorized Edition" printed at the upper right, the original 59¢ cover price, and stock number 5240. The book was manufactured exclusively for Seltaeb, Inc., the U.S. merchandise licensing arm set up by Brian Epstein's NEMS organization to manage the torrent of American Beatlemania tie-in products that flooded the market following the February 1964 Ed Sullivan appearances. Saalfield (#5240) is one of the most recognized of these early authorized items; Saalfield issued at least two coloring book editions in 1964, and this first edition with the all-photo cover is the more sought of the two.

The interior opens to a full printed facsimile-signatures page — Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison in flowing script against the same yellow ground as the cover — followed by line-art coloring pages with period captions including "John takes a close look at the cherry blossoms" and "Time Out for Ice Cream." The title page credits Peerless Manufacturing and Saalfield and carries the © 1964 Nems Enterprises, Ltd. notice. Approximately 10% of the pages have received light crayon coloring; the remainder are uncolored and the book is complete.

CONDITION

Excellent for a 60-year-old softcover children's publication. Cover graphics are bright and unfaded, spine is intact, and the book lies flat with no separation. Interior pulp paper pages show expected ambient toning throughout; approximately 10% of pages carry light crayon or colored-pencil work, with no heavy overcoloring or torn leaves noted.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• 11" H × 8.5" W
• Softcover, staple-bound; Authorized Edition
• Stock No. 5240
• Original cover price: 59¢
• Publisher: Peerless Manufacturing Company, 15039 W. Eight Mile Rd., Detroit, MI
• Distributor: The Saalfield Publishing Company, Akron, OH
• © 1964 Nems Enterprises, Ltd. — Manufactured exclusively for Seltaeb, Inc.
• Made in U.S.A.
• Commended by Parents Magazine (seal present on cover)
• Approx. 10% of interior pages lightly (and skillfully) colored; book complete