texts2

Updated September 12th, 2003

I have constructed a list of texts and videos that are available to the collector. Some are excellent references; others could be improved. Clicking on a title or image will provide detailed publication information.
	Collector's Guide To Transistor Radios, Second Edition, by Marty and Sue Bunis. The "Bible" of transistor collectors, this book breaks 'em down by model and manufacturer. Offers pricing information that is somewhat out of date. 1996, published by Collector Books.
	Made In Japan: Transistor Radios Of The 1950s and 1960s, by Handy, Erbe, Blackham, and Antonier. A beautifully photographed book, Made In Japan looks at transistor radios from the design and culture angle. Full of exquisite rarities from the collection of Roger Handy, this book is a must for the transistor enthusiast. 1993, out of print. Published by Chronicle Books.
	The Portable Radio In American Life, by Michael Brian Schiffer. A detailed and well-researched history of the portable radio as used in North America, this book starts with the first tube portables of the Twenties and progresses through the eventual deconvolution of the radio into a cheap trinket. 1991, By The University Of Arizona Press.
	Transistor Radios 1954-1968, by Norman Smith. Full of beautiful photos of some models not found elsewhere, this book is more useful as picture book than as a reference due to poor organization. Pricing information is included, but is controversial. 1998, Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
	Zenith Transistor Radios, Evolution Of A Classic, by Norman Smith. In contrast to the book above by the same author, Zenith Transistor Radios is lovingly researched and presented chronologically. The author had extensive access to Zenith company archives, and it shows. Beautifully photographed again, this text is highly recommended. 1998, Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
	The entire line of privately published photo guides by Eric Wrobbel. These have been published for transistor radios by Sony, Toshiba/Trancel, Realtone (illustrated), Regency, Standard, and Global/Zephyr. A color book illustrating select American models is also offered. These are the most complete guides I know of for the manufacturers mentioned, and well worth their modest price.
	The Magic of Sony (for historians and collectors), another privately published book by Enrico Tedeschi, this one covers all Sony electronic products but has an emphasis on radios. Some interesting early advertisements by other contributors are included.
	Transistor Radios: A Collector's Encyclopedia and Price Guide, by Lane and Lane. An aging encyclopedia, this book has mostly black-and white photos with a small center spread of color. A nice brief history of transistor radios is included, but the book tries too hard in covering novelties as well as "standard" transistor radios, and its pricing is wildy inaccurate these days. 1994, Wallace-Homestead Book Company.
	How To Fix Transistor Radios & Printed Circuits, by Leonard C. Lane. Out of print for a long time, this book offers what I consider the best and easiest introduction to transistor radio servicing. Some advice is best not followed for restoration (I don't recommend snipping old part leads and soldering new ones to the remainders!), but it is a good text nonetheless. You might find it at flea markets and used book stores. 1969, Tab Books.
	Modern Transistor Radios, by R. H. Warring. Published in the UK in the 1970s, Barnes and Noble has recently been selling this book on their website. The slim volume is a brief introduction to transistor radios through the building of nine simple receivers. 1976, Lutterworth Press.
	Building and Designing Transistor Radios, a Beginner's Guide, by R. H. Warring. Another UK book from the 1970s, Barnes and Noble has been offering this on its website. Discusses radio receivers section by section, and offers techniques for building. It's a good introduction, although European transistor types are used. 1977, Lutterworth Press.
	Restoring Pocket Radios, video tape produced by Eric Wrobbel and Ron Mansfield. This tape shows some good techniques for opening and disassembling radios. In addition, some cleaning techniques are shown. Many restoration techniques are discussed, but unfortunately, most are not demonstrated. A brief introduction to radio circuitry is also on this tape.
	Guida Practica Transistor Radios, by Antique Radio Magazine. This book is entirely in Italian, but it is full of photos and serves as an excellent guide, especially of European transistor radios. Photos are generally of very good quality.
Home	Copyright 2000-2003 By Sarah Lowrey. All Rights Reserved. Last updated September 12th, 2003.