Description
1950 edition. Different cover art than pictured. Hardcover has significant wear, scuffs, small marks, stains and small tears. No dust jacket. Spine has significant reading creases and wear, small tears on top and bottom. Pages have some marks and small tears on some pages but largely are clean and the binding is secure. Former library book has some markings and labels from the library.
This well-worn copy of “Highways to Happiness” by C. L. Paddock offers a glimpse into the self-help literature of the post-World War II era. Published in 1950, it reflects the optimism and desire for personal growth that characterized the prosperous years following the war. Paddock, a prolific writer on topics of inspiration and motivation, aimed to provide readers with a roadmap to contentment and fulfillment.
While the exact contents are unknown, books of this genre often promoted principles of positive thinking, goal-setting, and self-actualization. They tapped into the burgeoning human potential movement, which encouraged individuals to unlock their inner potential and live more meaningful lives. As a former library book, this copy likely guided numerous readers on their personal journeys, bearing the marks of heavy circulation.
Despite its well-loved condition, this vintage self-help tome holds appeal for collectors interested in the history of popular psychology and the evolution of the self-improvement genre. It serves as a tangible relic of a time when Americans, buoyed by economic prosperity, sought guidance in navigating the challenges of modern life and achieving personal happiness.
