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Bennett CerfBennett Cerf
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Session:         Page of 1029

Cerf:

Well, Phyllis began getting interested. She helped when I made up the first list and when I tried out the name “Landmark,” she said, “That's it.”

We started the World Landmarks after the American Landmarks were great successes, and then we got the idea for the All-About Books--All-About the Weather, All-About the Stars, All-About the Sea, etc. They hit the jackpot, too!

Q:

How did that come about? I mean, were you just looking for another series?

Cerf:

Yes.

Q:

I mean, your son hadn't asked you about...?

Cerf:

Sure...these questions. Television was beginning, and kids were beginning to ask questions about the sea and the stars and the weather. Television has had a great part in children's books because they see things on television and then they want to know more about them. Even these repetitious Westerns inspire a knowledge of American history. For example, when the Daniel Boone craze was on, we had a Daniel Boone in Landmark by John Mason Brown. That book sold by the hundreds of thousands. It's still one of the most popular Landmark titles.

Q:

Was Phyllis beginning to get interested because I know she...?





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