Plainly stated, if you have anything to do with vintage magazines, collect them, sell them, etc., you need this book.
From Dr. Lomazow’s Magazine History site:
Its pretty much become the standard reference for magazine collecting and I’ve sold or given away a few thousand copies. Its listed on the web for upwards of $100 but I will now be happy to sell it for $40
Now, I’m not sure how you approach him about picking up a copy, but I’m honestly pretty shocked that I don’t see several requests in the comments area.
American Periodicals: A Collector’s Manual and Reference Guide is just that–it’s no price guide, but it is a timeless reference guide to the magazines themselves including origins and very often highspots and highlights from throughout a title’s history.
Best of all, Dr. Lomazow has published a free online addendum to this volume. Have a look, the layout of this 29 page supplement is about the same as the book, it’ll give you a good idea of what you’ll be getting for your $40. To give you an idea of the actual value of this book, well, I make a good portion of my living selling old magazines and this book is not two feet from my right hand right now–it’s removed and referenced more than any other title within arm’s reach.
Don’t miss out head over to Magazine History: A Collector’s Blog as soon as you can, I have a feeling there’s likely a limited quantity involved. Good luck!