Trixie Belden FAQ
Leek99
I saw this FAQ once on the newsgroup and was unable to save it.
Could someone, anyone, please repost it? Also you could send it to my
address-...@cc.swarthmore.edu--which I would really appreciate. But
maybe it should be reposted because other people might like to see it too?
Thanks,
Leah Oppenheim, Swarthmore College (student)
James D. Keeline
The TRIXIE BELDEN series was published by Whitman and later by Golden
Press, both divisions of Western Printing and Lithographing Company of
Racine, Wisconson.
The first six volumes were written by JULIE CAMPBELL (1908- ).
Thereafter, the series was published under the KATHRYN KENNY house name by
a variety of hired writers. Some of these "ghostwriters" have been
identified, but many have not. Much research remains in this mystery
series.
JULIE CAMPBELL also wrote the GINNIE GORDON series (4 vols: 1948-1954),
also published by WHITMAN:
1. Ginnie Gordon and the Mystery of the Disappearing Candlesticks1948
2. Ginnie Gordon and the Missing Heirloom 1950
3. Ginnie Gordon and the Mystery of the Old Barn 1951
4. Ginnie Gordon and the Lending Library 1954
Under the "JULIE TATHAM" name, Campbell wrote volumes in the CHERRY AMES
series (vols 9-16: 1948-1955) about a nurse and the VICKI BARR series
(vols 4-7: 1949-1952) about a flight attendant. These two series were
published by GROSSET & DUNLAP, the publisher of the HARDY BOYS and NANCY
DREW books. Early volumes in both series were written by HELEN (FRANCES
WEINSTOCK) WELLS (1910-1986).
HELEN WELLS' name appears on CHERRY AMES #9 (Cruise Nurse) even though it
was written by "JULIE TATHAM". Similarly, VICKI BARR #16 (Brass Idol
Mystery) was written by WALTER BROWN GIBSON (1897-1985) even though WELLS'
name appears on the book. GIBSON was known among radio enthusiasts as the
creator of "The Shadow."
HELEN WELLS also wrote volumes for other publishers including the
two-volume POLLY FRENCH series under the "FRANCINE LEWIS" pseudonym.
After 1959, Western Publishing decided to use house pseudonyms for all of
its series. For example, the BRAINS BENTON series (6 vols: 1959-1961)
listed CHARLES SPAIN VERRAL (1904-1990) for the first volume (1959). The
remaining books in the series (vols 2-6: 1960-1961) used the name "GEORGE
WYATT", a probable pseudonym.
The TRIXIE BELDEN series used the KATHRYN KENNY name throughout the
balance of the series (vols 7-39: 1961-1986). As stated above, some of
these authors have been identified.
NICOLETE MEREDITH (McGUIRE) STACK (1896- ) wrote at least five volumes of
the ten stories (vols 7-16: 1961-1970) written after JULIE CAMPBELL
stopped writing for the series. Additional information about NICOLETE
STACK may be found in:
AUTHORS OF BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (Scarecrow, )
CONTEMPORARY AUTHOR, vol 13, reised. (Gale Research, )
PENNAMES OF WOMEN WRITERS
INTERNATIONAL AUTHORS AND WRITERS 1976
Some of her other works for children include:
TWO TO GET READY (Caxton Printers, 1953). 179p
PIERRE OF THE ISLAND (Bruce, 1954). 96p
RAINBOW TOMORROW (Bruce, 1956). 148p
CORKY'S HICCUPS (Golden Press, 1968). 24p Poetry
NIGHT SOUNDS (Golden Press, ).
A FRIEND FOR KATIE (Whitman, ).
as "Nicolete Meredith"
WELCOME LOVE (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1959). 196p
KING OF THE KERRY FAIR (Crowell, 1960). 56p
MILESTONE SUMMER (Whitman, 1962). 216p
as "Eileen Hill" for ROBIN KANE series published by Whitman.
1. THE MYSTERY OF THE BLUE PELICAN 1966
2. THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM 1966
3. THE MYSTERY OF GLENGARY CASTLE 1966
4. THE CANDLE SHOP MYSTERY 1967
5. THE MYSTERY IN THE CLOUDS 1971
6. THE MONSTER OF WOLF POINT 1971
GLADYS BAKER BOND (1912- ). Wrote at least two volumes for the series
(vols 21, 25: 1978-1979). One editor described her writing as poor
quality. Bond also contributed volumes to the MEG DUNCAN series (6 vols:
1967-1972), published by Whitman under the "HOLLY BETH WALKER" name.
Additional information about GLADYS BAKER BOND may be found in:
CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS, vols 5-8, rev. (Gale Research, )
CONTAMPORARY AUTHORS, vol 2, New Rev. (Gale Research, )
SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR, vol 14 (Gale Research, )
Some of her other work includes:
BLUE CHIMNEY (Holiday House, 1959). 164p
A HEAD ON HER SHOULDERS (Abelard-Schumann, 1963). 160p
LITTLE STORIES (Anti-Defamation League, 1964). 80p
ADVENTURES WITH HAL (Whitman, 1965). 156p
THE SECRET AT ROCKY LEDGE (Abelard-Schumann, 1965). 158p
FAWN BABY (Whitman, 1966). 32p
THE MAGIC FRIEND-MAKER (Whitman, 1966). 26p
ANIMAL BABIES, WILD AND FREE (Whitman, 1967). 154p
THE MYSTERY AT FAR REACH (Abelard-Schumann, 1967). 160p
ON THE STRANGER'S MOUNTAIN (Abelard-Schumann, 1969). 159p
ALBUM OF CATS (Rand McNally, 1971).
BOY IN THE MIDDLE (Silver Burdett, 1972). 16p
as "JO MENDEL" published by Whitman
THE TUCKERS: THE COTTAGE HOLIDAY (Whitman, 1962). 282p
as "HOLLY BETH WALKER" published by Whitman
1. THE DISAPPEARING DIAMONDS 1967
2. THE SECRET OF THE WITCH'S STAIRWAY 1967
3. THE TREASURE NOBODY SAW 1967
4. THE GHOST OF HIDDEN SPRINGS 1970
5. THE MYSTERY OF BLACK-MAGIC CAVE 1971
6. THE MYSTERY IN WILLIAMSBURG 1972
OWENITA (HARRAH) SANDERLIN (1916- ) wrote at least two volumes in the
TRIXIE BELDEN series (vols 22-23: 1978-1979). Additional information
about OWENITA SANDERLIN may be found in:
BIOGRAPHY INDEX, vol 11 (H.W. Wilson, )
CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS, vol 17, rev. (Gale Research, )
CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS, vol 7, new rev. (Gale Research, )
SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR, vol 11 (Gale Research, )
She also wrote:
...
JOAN CHASE BOWDEN (1925- ) wrote a large number of TRIXIE BELDEN books in
the late 1970s (vols 26, 27, 29-34). Additional information about JOAN
CHASE BOWDEN may be found in:
AUTHORS OF BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (Scarecrow, )
CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS, vol 69 (Gale Research, )
CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS, vol 73 (Gale Research, )
CONTAMPORARY AUTHORS, vol 28, new rev. (Gale Research, )
SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR, vol 38 (Gale Research, )
SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR, vol 51 (Gale Research, )
She also wrote:
...
KATHLEEN KRULL (1952- ) was the editor for the TRIXIE BELDEN series in the
late 1970s. She wrote one volume in the series (vol 28: 1979) and was
working on the last volume, to be set in San Diego, California, when the
series was discontinued. Additional information about her may be found
in:
CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS, vol 106 (Gale Research, )
SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR, vol 39 (Gale Research, )
SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR, vol 52 (Gale Research, )
She also wrote:
...
Western Publishing eventually published the TRIXIE BELDEN books using
techniques similar to the STRATEMEYER SYNDICATE. Some of these include:
* FLAT-FEE PAYMENT - Authors paid a fixed amount to write a book with no
royalties.
* PSEUDONYMS - After CAMPBELL left, books were published using "KATHRYN
KENNY".
* OUTLINES - Writers would complete manuscripts based on short outlines.
* CHARACTER LIST - Characters from previous books were recorded for later
reuse.
* PLOT SUMMARY - Each book was briefly described to avoid repetition.
* LOCALE MAP - A map was created showing the location of the buildings
and trails described in the stories.
Most of the Whitman series for girls shared similar characteristics and
even similar characters.
Since the TRIXIE BELDEN books were published over a long period of time,
several different formats were used. The first sixteen books were
published in some form of a hardcover. These titles plus all later ones
were published in paperback. In the mid-1980s, the paperback format
changed.
Format #1 - Dust Jacket Edition (Whitman) - vols 1-3
Books bound in a pressed-paper on cardboard boards. A separate
illustrated paper dust jacket contained the cover illustration which
wrapped around to the spine.
Format #2 - Cellophane Edition (Whitman) - vols 1-8
Books have colorful paper over thin cardboard covered with clear
cellophane. This format was very fragile and shows the slightest wear.
Format #3 - Cameo Edition (Whitman) - vols 1-8+
Books feature color image printed on fairly sturdy nylon cloth with
picture of Trixie in a small white "cameo" design with a ribbon in the
upper left corner of the front cover.
Format #4 - Deluxe Edition (Whitman or Golden Press) - vols 1-15
These books also have a color image printed on nylon cloth. Books are
nearly 1/2 inch taller than all other editions. Endpapers show color
pictures of Trixie and Honey.
Format #5 - Short Ugly Edition (Whitman) - vols 1-16
Standard sized books with color pictures printed on paper over very thin
cardboard.
Format #6 - Cream Paperback Edition (Golden Press) - vols 1-34
Cream colored paperbacks with color pictures printed on the front cover.
Format #7 - Gold Paperback Edition (Golden Press) - vols 35-39 plus other
titles as needed
Gold colored paperback with volume number enclosed in square on spine.
Below is a list of all of the published TRIXIE BELDEN volumes with the
authors (when known):
Julie Campbell titles
1 The Secret Mansion Campbell 1948
2 The Red Trailer Mystery Campbell 1950
3 The Gatehouse Mystery Campbell 1951
4 The Mysterious Visitor Campbell 1954
5 The Mystery Off Glen Road Campbell 1956
6 The Mystery in Arizona Campbell 1958
"Kathryn Kenny" titles
7 The Mysterious Code 1961
8 The Black Jacket Mystery 1961
9 The Happy Valley Mystery 1962
10 The Marshland Mystery 1962
11 The Mystery at Bob-White Cave 1963
12 The Mystery of the Blinking Eye 1963
13 The Mystery on CobbettUs Island 1964
14 The Mystery of the Emeralds 1965
15 The Mystery on the Mississippi 1965
16 The Mystery of the Missing Heiress 1970
"Kathryn Kenny" titles only in paperback:
17 The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest 1977
18 The Mystery of the Phantom Grasshopper 1977
19 The Secret of the Unseen Treasure 1977
20 The Mystery off Old Telegraph Road 1978
21 The Mystery of the Castaway Children [Bond] 1978
22 The Mystery on MeadUs Mountain [Sanderlin] 1978
23 The Mystery of the QueenUs Necklace [Sanderlin] 1979
24 The Mystery at Saratoga 1979
25 The Sasquatch Mystery [Bond] 1979
26 The Mystery of the Headless Horseman [Bowden] 1979
27 The Mystery of the Ghostly Galleon [Bowden] 1979
28 The Hudson River Mystery [Krull] 1979
29 The Mystery of the Velvet Gown [Bowden] 1980
30 The Mystery of the Midnight Marauder [Bowden] 1980
31 The Mystery at MaypennyUs [Bowden] 1980
32 The Mystery of the Whispering Witch [Bowden] 1980
33 The Mystery of the Vanishing Victim [Bowden] 1980
34 The Mystery of the Missing Millionaire [Bowden] 1980
35 The Mystery of the Memorial Day Fire 1984
36 The Mystery of the Antique Doll 1984
37 The Pet Show Mystery 1985
38 The Indian Burial Ground Mystery 1985
39 The Mystery of the Galloping Ghost 1986
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