Help! Traveling book seller's sampler kit

I'm looking for help in finding info and values on a 1900 era traveling
book sellers sample kit. I have one that has several samples of books
for sale (a few pages from each book) that is bound in cloth and was
used by traveling book sellers at that time to show to potential
customers to obtain orders. I have done google searches using
variations of book seller, traveling, sampler, kit and case without
success. Can any of you more imaginative collectors point me in the
right direction? Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Les

It looks like "canvassing book" is the operative term.
http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0498/0498gaz3.html

Here's a 69 page PDF file titled: PUBLISHERS SAMPLE AND CANVASSING BOOKS:
Issued prior to the year 1877 in the collection of the American Antiquarian
Society and Michael Zinman.
http://www.bibsocamer.org/BibSite/Mc...rs-Samples.pdf

There are several copies on AddALL of *Canvassing Books, Sample Books, and
Subscription Publishers' Ephemera 1833-1951 in the Collection of Michael
Zinman* by Keith Arbour, ranging from $50 to $100.

Not sure if that's any help, but it's interesting to read up on.

Alice

--
Book collecting terms illustrated. Occasional books for sale.
http://www.mywingsbooks.com/


"bookeditions" wrote in message
oups.com...
I'm looking for help in finding info and values on a 1900 era traveling
book sellers sample kit. I have one that has several samples of books
for sale (a few pages from each book) that is bound in cloth and was
used by traveling book sellers at that time to show to potential
customers to obtain orders. I have done google searches using
variations of book seller, traveling, sampler, kit and case without
success. Can any of you more imaginative collectors point me in the
right direction? Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Les

To Alice & Michael, thanks for the information and the links. This is
exactly what I was looking for. This group comes through, once again.
Les