From:Dave Hennessey e-mail:dave@toyhouse.org
Subject:RE: RE: RE: Henderson Book Date:Mon Oct 29 12:35:55 2012
Response to:4340
Doug,

I agree with Rich’s desire for a hardbound book – that’s what I would like to see. Most people of our generation still prefer quality paper books. Purchase price is immaterial – there are few poor Henderson owners.

But as you mention, hardcover requires a fixed press run with a big up-front investment. Perfect-bound (softcover) books can be produced using Print-On-Demand techniques, which would be the best alternative if the venture capital for hardcover can’t be found. Digital versions would steal sales from any printed versions, so I think they should definitely be avoided.

“The Golden Age of The Fours” was, I think, originally a hardcover and then reprinted as a softcover. Might be one way to go.

Here’s an idea - have a Detroit book (Volume 1)and a Chicago book (Volume 2). The current book is pretty much Detroit anyway, so removing the few pages of Chicago wouldn’t hurt too much. Replace that with the historical perspective, serial number lists, or other information that applies to both cities. It shouldn’t be solely Detroit – you want it to appeal to everyone.

For the Chicago book - there is so much more known about the Chicago bikes – I think it would easily fill a similar sized book. There were a lot of changes to the De Luxe series that really aren’t documented anywhere. While a full-blown “How To Restore” is beyond the scope, there is a lot of semi-technical info (trivial example, paint colors) that could be included. Unfortunately, as time went on, there were less and less factory documents or advertising. Dick Winger had collected a lot of factory documents – did that all go to the AMCA/AMF?

While I’m fortunate enough to have a copy of Rich’s book, there are many Henderson owners who aren’t. And there’s no more to be had. Whatever form it takes, I hope we can get this off the ground.

Dave