Pocket Books

Pocket Books is a landmark American publishing imprint that revolutionized the global book market. Founded in 1939 by Robert F. de Graff in partnership with Simon & Schuster, it introduced the first mass-market, pocket-sized paperback books to the United States. Inspired by the success of Penguin Books in the UK, the brand focused on portability and affordability, originally selling classics and bestsellers for just 25 cents through non-traditional outlets like newsstands and drugstores.

Known for its iconic kangaroo logo named 'Gertrude,' Pocket Books transformed reading from an elite activity into a mass-market phenomenon. Over the decades, it became synonymous with popular fiction, including long-running franchises like Star Trek. Today, the brand is part of the Gallery Publishing Group, specializing in diverse genres including romance, thrillers, and media tie-ins. While historically produced in the United States, current manufacturing takes place globally through various regional printing partners under the Simon & Schuster supply chain.