The Boys’ Friend Library was published by the Amalgamated Press, being founded by WH (“Willy”) Back, in September 1906 and lasted until wartime paper shortages ended its run in June 1940.
It was initially conceived as a vehicle for the hugely popular Jack, Sam & Pete stories, written by S. Clarke Hook, with the first two titles being dubbed the Jack, Sam & Pete Library. However, Back quickly recognised that a wider range of authors would have a broader appeal, and the Boys’ Friend Library was born.
In all, there were 1,440 issues in 2 series. The stories were largely reprints of stories that had appeared in the large stable of Amalgamated Press storypapers, and included adventures, school stories, sporting tales, historical fiction, crime and science fiction by many of the most notable and famous authors of the day, including Leslie Charteris (creator of the Saint), WE Johns (Biggles), Jules Verne, Charles Hamilton (of Billy Bunter Fame), and many more.
The stories were a perennial favourite with schoolboys of all ages, being conveniently pocket-sized, with beautifully illustrated covers.
Boys’ Friend Library 030
Boys’ Friend Library 046
Boys’ Friend Library 235
Boys’ Friend Library 237
Boys’ Friend Library 276
Boys’ Friend Library 288
Boys’ Friend Library 328
Boys’ Friend Library 331
Boys’ Friend Library 334
Boys’ Friend Library 345
Boys’ Friend Library 360
Boys’ Friend Library 367
Boys’ Friend Library 383
Boys’ Friend Library 413
Boys’ Friend Library 442
Boys’ Friend Library 461
Boys’ Friend Library 479
Boys’ Friend Library 494
Boys’ Friend Library 594
Boys’ Friend Library 647
Boys’ Friend Library 666
British Comics 
Figured you’d want to know: There’s something odd about the link for #s 383, 413, & 442. When clicked it directs to the invalid address “https://britishcomics.wordpress.com/2022/01/20/boys-friend-library/:/www.boutjefedankt.nl/s/okW12HaF9F7okaP” instead of to “www.boutjefedankt.nl/s/okW12HaF9F7okaP”.
Thank you for all the work you’ve put into this incredible site. All the best.
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You are welcome, thanks for letting me know, i’ve made a new link for those.
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