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Frank and Joe Hardy are sons of a celebrated American detective, and during vacations
and their time off from school they help their father by hunting down clues themselves.
In 1926, Edward Stratemeyer, founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, conceived the idea for the Hardy Boys. He created the plot outlines and then advertised for ghostwriters to complete the stories. Most notable among these writers is Leslie McFarlane, who wrote volumes 1-16 and 22-24 and is generally regarded as by far the best ghostwriter of the series. The first three volumes of the series were released as a "breeder" set in mid-May 1927. There were five more stories published in the following two years. After that, new titles were released in an almost unvarying pattern of one per year for the next fifty years.
Starting in 1959, the Stratemeyer Syndicate engaged in a 15 year project to revise the first 38 titles in the series. The revisions ranged from slight alteration to completely new stories. All the stories were reduced in length, had obsolete prose updated and had racial stereotypes (which abounded in many of the early volumes) removed. The quality of the revised stories is generally so far below that of the originals that it can only be considered as an act of literary vandalism.
In 1979, after 52 years and 59 titles (which includes Detective Handbook), Grosset & Dunlap lost the rights to publish any new Hardy Boys tales in a protracted court battle with the Syndicate. They did retain the right to continue publishing these 59 titles (refered to by most Hardy Boys enthusiasts as the canon) and continue to do so to this day, despite several changes in ownership.
In 1991 Applewood Books began to publish first edition facsimiles of the early volumes. Dust jackets on earlier volumes are marred by an ugly "Just As You Remember Them" logo on the front cover. Thankfully, this was moved to the spine on later volumes. Beginning with volume 12, Footprints Under the Window, Applewood abandoned its practice of making facsimiles when it continued to use red cloth binding despite the fact that this title never came in that format. In 2007 Applewood announced it was not renewing its agreement with Simon & Schuster and will not continue publishing Hardy Boys books. Existing stocks are being sold off.
In 1962, Grosset & Dunlap changed the format of the books from dust jackets to picture covers. Four original text stories (volumes 1, 2, 11 & 14) are not known to exist in picture cover format. Three revised text books (volumes 1, 2 & 14) were issued with dust jackets.
Early editions (1927-1932) with dust jackets are very scarce and are highly prized and sought after by collectors and a true first edition of The Tower Treasure is the Hardy collector's Holy Grail. Additionally, the first edition of volume 11, While The Clock Ticked, is extremely rare and perhaps the most valuable of all Hardy Boys books.
First editions of any volume, first editions of new cover art, first editions in PC format and first editions of revised texts are also very desirable and tend to bring higher prices. First editions of books with modified (not revised) text are sought by Hardy completists.
Authors are known from signed releases found in the Stratemeyer Syndicate Archives at the NY Public Library. The archives are occasionally contradictory and other documents indicate different authors for some titles. In some cases this conflict may be due to manuscripts being rejected by the Syndicate. These will be noted where applicable but the signed release forms are usually the best indicator of true authorship.
Although I've credited (if such a word should be used) Harriet Stratemeyer Adams with some of the revisions, I have doubts that she did much of the writing. In view of Harriet's now debunked and despicable claim of authorship of the Nancy Drew books, it seems far more likely that one of the Syndicate's legions of ghostwriters or editors did the dirty work and Harriet, with her characteristic lack of ethics, claimed the glory.
In 2005 Grosset & Dunlap began reprinting early Digests in the Flashlight picture cover binding style.
Click on the For Sale links to buy a NEW copy from Amazon.com Or check my Used Book Sales Page. |
01: The Tower Treasure
Original: 1927 Leslie McFarlane (214 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1959 Harriet S. Adams (180 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1927 Walters S. Rogers (modified 1932)
Art: 1944 A.O. Scott
Art: 1959 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Original text not known in picture cover (PC) format.
The Hardy Boys solve the theft of Hurd Applegate's treasure (not stamps!) by Red Jackley.
02: The House On The Cliff
Original: 1927 Leslie McFarlane (212 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1959 Harriet S. Adams (180 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1927 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1945 A.O. Scott
Art: 1959 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In my opinion, the original text is the best story in the canon.
Original text not known in PC format.
Revised edition with "This Volume Free" overprinted on DJ is scarce.
The Hardy Boys break up a drug smuggling ring in a spooky old mansion high on the cliffs overlooking Barmet Bay.
03: The Secret Of The Old Mill
Original: 1927 Leslie McFarlane (212 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1962 Alistair Hunter (174 pages) For Sale
Revision: Drastically Altered
Art: 1927 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1944 A.O. Scott
Art: 1960 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Original text PC editions are very scarce.
The Hardy Boys break up a counterfeiting ring centered at an old mill on the outskirts of Bayport.
04: The Missing Chums
Original: 1928 Leslie McFarlane (214 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1962 James Buechler (175 pages) For Sale
Revision: Drastically Altered
Art: 1928 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1944 A.O. Scott
Art: 1959 Rudy Nappi
Notes: According to noted Hardy Boys enthusiast, Tony Carpentieri, in 1961 the text was slightly modified to correct typos.
Original text PC editions are very scarce.
Bank robbers pursued by Mr. Hardy mistakenly kidnap Chet and Biff, leaving it up to the Hardy Boys to solve the crime and capture the bad guys on Blacksnake Island.
05: Hunting For Hidden Gold
Original: 1928 Leslie McFarlane (214 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1963 Alistair Hunter (177 pages) For Sale
Revision: Drastically Altered
Art: 1928 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1944 Stricker
Art: 1959 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In 1940 the text on page 214 was modified to add the title of the next book.
According to noted Hardy Boys enthusiast, Tony Carpentieri, the text was modified to remove dialect and racist comments in 1962. I personally have not been able to verify this information.
Jim Lawrence edited and did much rewriting of the revised story.
The Hardy Boys head west to reclaim old miner Jadbury Wilson's lost treasure of gold and defeat Black Pepper and his gang.
06: The Shore Road Mystery
Original: 1928 Leslie McFarlane (212 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1964 David Grambs (178 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: David Grambs
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1928 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1944 A.O. Scott
Art: 1960 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1964 Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys use a Trojan Horse stategy to solve a car theft ring centered on the Shore Road.
Revision: The Hardy Boys help Jack Dodd and his father locate a missing treasure.
07: The Secret Of The Caves
Original: 1929 Leslie McFarlane (210 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1964 Andrew Svenson (175 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Andrew Svenson
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1929 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1944 A.O. Scott
Art: 1960 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In 1940 the text on page 210 was altered to include the title of the next book.
The Hardy Boys locate the missing Todham Todd, an amnesiac living a bizarre existence in the caves by Barmet Bay.
Revision: The Hardy Boys locate a missing college professor and solve the sabotage of a local radar station.
08: The Mystery Of Cabin Island
Original: 1929 Leslie McFarlane (214 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1966 Andrew Svenson (178 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1929 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1944 A.O. Scott
Art: 1960 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In 1940 the text on page 213 was altered to include the title of the next book.
Anne Shultes wrote an outline and manuscript for the revised edition which was rejected by Syndicate editor, Anne Hagen, who then requested that Svenson take over.
This is probably the most popular story among fans.
The Hardy Boys solve the mystery of Elroy Jefferson's missing stamp collection while camping on Jefferson's Cabin Island retreat on their Christmas vacation.
09: The Great Airport Mystery
Original: 1930 Leslie McFarlane (210 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1965 Tom Mulvey (175 pages) For Sale
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1930 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1944 Stricker
Art: 1959 Rudy Nappi (frontispiece: Stricker)
Notes: In 1940 the text on page 209 was altered to include the title of the next book.
Jim Lawrence wrote the precis and Harriet S. Adams wrote the outline for the revised story.
The Hardy Boys thwart a mail robbery attempt by their enemy, drunken mail pilot Giles Ducroy.
Revised: The Boys solve the theft of valuable electronics parts containing platinum.
10: What Happened At Midnight
Original: 1931 Leslie McFarlane (213 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1967 Tom Mulvey (173 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Tom Mulvey
Revision: Drastically Altered
Art: 1931 W.S. Rogers
Art: 1945 A new frontispiece by A.O. Scott
Art: 1946 New cover art by unknown artist (Paul Laune?).
Art: 1967 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In 1941 the text on page 213 was altered to include the title of the next book.
Jim Lawrence edited and did extensive rewriting on the revision.
The Hardy Boys break up the Taffy Marr jewel smuggling ring.
11: While The Clock Ticked
Original: 1932 Leslie McFarlane (213 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1962 James Buechler (174 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Harriet S. Adams, Grace Grote, Andrew Svenson
Revision: Altered
Art: 1932 J. Clemens Gretter (Gretta)
Art: 1944 A new frontispiece by A.O. Scott
Art: 1950 Bill Gillies (frontispiece: Scott)
Art: 1962 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Original text not known in PC format.
In 1940 the text on page 212 was altered to include the title of the next book.
Crazed Amos Wandy is threatening Raymond Dalrymple. The Hardy Boys solve the mystery of the secret locked room in Dalrymple's spooky mansion.
12: Footprints Under The Window
Original: 1933 Leslie McFarlane (218 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1965 David Grambs (177 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: David Grambs
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1933 J. Clemmons Gretter (Gretta)
Art: 1944 A new frontispiece by A.O. Scott
Art: 1950 Bill Gillies
Art: 1965 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In 1940 the text on page 217 was altered to include the title of the next book.
The Hardy Boys break up a ring smuggling and extorting illegal Chinese aliens.
Revision: The Hardy Boys foil a plot to steal a top-secret instrument vital to the space program.
13: The Mark On The Door
Original: 1934 Leslie McFarlane (219 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1967 Tom Mulvey (175 pages) For Sale
Revision: Drastically Altered
Art: 1934 J. Clemons Gretter (Gretta) (frontispiece removed in 1947)
Art: 1950 Bill Gillies
Art: 1967 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Revised text PC editions with the Gillies artwork are very scarce.
The Hardy Boys and Mr. Hardy travel to Mexico to locate a missing witness in an oil rights trial.
14: The Hidden Harbor Mystery
Original: 1935 Leslie McFarlane (219 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1961 James Buechler (177 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Grace Grote
Revision: Drastically Altered
Art: 1935 J. Clemmons Gretter (Gretta) (frontispiece removed in 1948)
Art: 1950 Bill Gillies
Art: 1962 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In 1940 the text on page 218 was modified to include the title of the next book.
Original text not known in PC format. The dust-jacket edition of the revised text is scarce.
The Hardy Boys travel south to end the long-standing Rand-Blackstone fued.
15: The Sinister Sign Post
Original: 1936 Leslie McFarlane (215 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1968 Tom Mulvey (175 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Tom Mulvey
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1936 J. Clemmons Gretter (Gretta)
Art: 1950 Bill Gillies (frontispiece: Gretta)
Art: 1968 Rudy Nappi
Notes: McFarlane was originally going to pass on writing this novel but changed his mind when he realized that no other author had as yet written a Hardy Boys book.
In 1940 the text on page 213 was altered to include the title of the next book.
Revised text title changed to The Sinister Signpost.
The Hardy Boys locate a missing race horse and thwart the destructive plans of the insane Vilnoff.
Revision: The Boys investigate mysterious auto racing accidents and the kidnapping of a race horse.
16: A Figure In Hiding
Original: 1937 Leslie McFarlane (212 pages) For Sale
Revised: 1965 James Lawrence (176 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: James Lawrence
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1937 Paul Laune
Art: 1962 John Leone
Notes: In 1941 the text on page 211 was altered to include the title of the next book.
The Hardy Boys foil the fake eye surgery "Eye Syndicate" of quack Dr. Grafton.
Revision: The Hardy Boys smash the "Evil Eye" (aka "The Goggler Gang") theft ring.
17: The Secret Warning
Original: 1938 John Button (220 pages)
Revised: 1966 James Lawrence (176 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: James Lawrence
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1938 Paul Laune (frontispiece removed in 1947)
Art: 1962 John Leone
Art: 1966 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In 1941 the text on page 219 was altered to include the title of the next book.
The Hardy Boys go deep sea diving to recover the treasure from the sunken "Katawa" and foil the plans of the thuggish Gus Kuntz.
Revised: The Hardy Boys investigate the strange disappearance of an ancient Egyptian artifact.
18: The Twisted Claw
Original: 1939 John Button (217 pages)
Revised: 1969 Tom Mulvey (177 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Tom Mulvey
Revision: Altered
Art: 1939 Paul Laune
Art: 1962 John Leone
Art: 1969 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the original edition.
In 1944 the text on page 217 was modified to include the title of the next book.
PC edition with Nancy Drew title list on back cover is scarce.
The Hardy Boys defeat "The Order of The Twisted Claw" smuggling gang.
19: The Disappearing Floor
Original: 1940 John Button (218 pages)
Revised: 1964 James Lawrence (176 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: James Lawrence
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1940 Paul Laune
Art: 1962 John Leone
Notes: Original text PC editions are scarce.
The original text edition is generally regarded as the worst written story in the canon.
The Hardy Boys smash Duke Beeson's (AKA Chief Shining Light Of The Sun-Worshipping Ozonites) robbery gang using the weird inventions of Aunt Gertrude's former classmate, Eben Adar.
Revised: The Hardy Boys track down a gang of jewel thieves in a mysterious old mansion.
20: The Mystery Of The Flying Express
Original: 1941 John Button (217 pages)
Revised: 1970 Vincent Buranelli (177 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Andrew Svenson
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1941 Paul Laune
Art: 1962 John Leone
Art: 1970 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the original edition.
Revised text title changed to Mystery Of The Flying Express.
The Hardy Boys break up a spy ring which uses the speedy "Flying Express" train to maintain contact with its East Coast agents.
Revised: The Boys investigate the disappearance of the speedy hydrofoil ferry, the Flying Express.
21: The Clue Of The Broken Blade
Original: 1942 John Button (218 pages)
Revised: 1970 Richard Deming (178 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Andrew Svenson
Revision: Drastically Altered
Art: 1942 Paul Laune
Art: 1962 John Leone
Art: 1967 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1970 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Pre-1987 PC editions with blank endpapers are scarce.
The Hardy Boys break up a truck hijacking ring and solve the mystery of the theft of Arthur Barker's swords.
22: The Flickering Torch Mystery
Original: 1943 Leslie McFarlane (212 pages)
Revised: 1971 Vincent Buranelli (181 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Andrew Svenson
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1943 Paul Laune
Art: 1962 John Leone
Art: 1971 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In a 10/5/42 letter to the Syndicate, McFarlane thanked them for their check and apologized for the story, stating it had been written "under awkward circumstances... getting settled into a new city". McFarlane received the outline on 7/25/42 and completed the story by mid-September. He received $165 for this story.
Another source indicates Andrew Svenson as author of the revised edition.
PC editions lacking the white over-printing on the back cover are scarce.
The Hardy Boys solve the mystery of Asa Grable's missing silk moths and the theft of construction materials.
Revised: The Boys investigate mysterious plane crashes and contraband uranium isotopes.
23: The Melted Coins
Original: 1944 Leslie McFarlane (215 pages)
Revised: 1970 Andrew E. Svenson (180 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Andrew Svenson
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1944 Paul Laune
Art: 1962 John Leone
Art: 1970 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In my opinion the original version is the stupidest plot premise of any Hardy Boys story.
The Hardy Boys foil a coin counterfeiting ring who are stealing valuable rare coins and melting them down to make counterfeits of circulating coinage.
Revised: The Boys solve the swindling of their pal, Chet Morton, and the theft of a golden Seneca Indian relic.
24: The Short-Wave Mystery
Original: 1945 Leslie McFarlane (217 pages)
Revised: 1966 Priscilla Baker-Carr (176 pages) For Sale
Revised Outline: Jim Lawrence
Revision: Completely Different
Art: 1945 Russell Tandy
Art: 1962 John Leone
Notes: Although he stated he was "glad to work" when he received the outline and the $85 advance, McFarlane apparently had difficulty finishing this story. On 6/5/44 he wrote that the story would be finished by 6/20. On 6/28, he wrote to apologize for the book not being ready. Another letter dated 7/5 offers a promise to finish the book. On 7/23, he sent more chapters and on 8/25 he sent 10 more along with a note stating "... probably you have assigned someone else...". Finally by the fall, the book was completed although he still hadn't sent in the release form.
Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the original edition.
In 1954 minor modifications were made to the text.
Another source indicates David Grambs wrote the revision.
The Hardy Boys head to Hudson Bay to solve the theft of radio parts.
Revised: The Hardy Boys go to Canada to solve the theft of stuffed animals and break up an industrial spy ring.
25: The Secret Panel
Original: 1946 Harriet Stratemeyer Adams (212 pages)
Revised: 1969 Priscilla Baker-Carr For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1946 Russell Tandy
Art: 1969 Rudy Nappi
Notes: In a letter to the Syndicate dated 4/2/45, Leslie McFarlane turned down writing this story due to other work.
Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the revised edition.
The Hardy Boys solve a kidnapping mystery at the weird Mead House, which lacks both door knobs and hinges.
26: The Phantom Freighter
Original: 1947 Amy McFarlane (216 pages)
Revised: 1970 Priscilla Baker-Carr (181 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1947 Russell Tandy
Art: 1970 Rudy Nappi
Notes: A letter from Leslie McFarlane to the Syndicate indicated his wife Amy was taking over some of his work. In his autobiography McFarlane claimed authorship of this story. In a letter to the Syndicate dated 5/12/46 he stated the "book is well underway" and expected to finish it by mid-June. On 7/29/46 Amy McFarlane wrote to Harriet Adams that "Three chapters of the book remain to be written, so I hope to mail the rest of the manuscript by Wednesday. Was interupted in the middle of the job by a dental operation that meant the loss of 22 teeth at one fell swoop. At any rate you should have it by the end of the week." Based on this information, it's probable Amy finished the story that her husband started.
Andrew Svenson edited and did rewriting of the Baker-Carr (revised) manuscript.
The Hardy Boys break up a smuggling ring which uses the mysterious, disappearing "Phantom Freighter".
27: The Secret Of Skull Mountain
Original: 1948 George Waller Jr. (212 pages)
Revised: 1966 David Grambs (177 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1948 Russell Tandy
Art: 1966 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet Adams wrote the outline for the original edition. She also wrote a manuscript which was not used.
The Hardy Boys solve the mysterious disappearance of water from the Tarnack Reservoir.
28: The Sign Of The Crooked Arrow
Original: 1949 Andrew Svenson (214 pages)
Revised: 1970 Priscilla Baker-Carr (178 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1949 Russell Tandy
Art: 1970 Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys head to New Mexico to break up the "Crooked Arrow" robbery gang.
29: The Secret Of The Lost Tunnel
Original: 1950 Andrew Svenson
Revised: 1968 David Grambs, June Dunn & Priscilla Baker-Carr For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1950 Bill Gillies
Art: 1968 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Pre-1987 PC editions with blank endpapers are scarce.
The Hardy Boys find a missing Civil War treasure and clear the family name of General Smith.
30: The Wailing Siren Mystery
Original: 1951 Andrew Svenson (Rewrite: Harriet Adams) (214 pages)
Revised: 1968 Priscilla Baker-Carr (177 pages) For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1951 Bill Gillies
Art: 1968 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the revised edition.
Minor text revision on page 36 changing "Frank" to "Joe" in 1977.
The Hardy Boys go to the woods to break up the smuggling gang of South American revolutionary, Renaldo.
31: The Secret Of Wildcat Swamp
Original: 1952 William Hallstead, Harriet Adams, William Dougherty (212 pages)
Revised: 1969 Priscilla Baker-Carr (178 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1952 Bill Gillies (frontispiece: Roy Pellington)
Art: 1969 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Hallstead's manuscript for the original edition was apparently rejected by the Syndicate and Dougherty was hired to create a new one.
The Hardy Boys head out west to defeat Gerald Flint's train robbing gang and restore Mrs. Sanderson's deed to a valuable oil property.
32: The Crisscross Shadow
Original: 1953 Richard Cohen (213 pages)
Revised: 1969 Priscilla Baker-Carr (177 pages) For Sale
Revision: Altered
Art: 1953 Rudy Nappi (frontispiece: Roy Pellington)
Art: 1969 Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys go to an Indian reservation to break up a gang of saboteurs.
33: The Yellow Feather Mystery
Original: 1953 William Dougherty (216 pages)
Revised: 1971 Priscilla Baker-Carr (181 pages) For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1953 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1971 Rudy Nappi
Notes: PC editions missing the white overprinting on the back cover are scarce.
The Hardy Boys go to the Woodson Academy to solve the mystery of a missing will.
34: The Hooded Hawk Mystery
Original: 1954 Charles S. Strong (212 pages)
Revised: 1971 Priscilla Baker-Carr (180 pages) For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1954 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1971 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet Adams allegedly did much rewriting to the Strong manuscript of the original edition.
Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the revised edition.
Pre-1987 PC editions with blank endpapers are scarce.
The Hardy Boys solve a kidnapping and break up a gang smuggling illegal Indian aliens.
35: The Clue In The Embers
Original: 1955 John Almquist (214 pages)
Revised: 1972 Priscilla Baker-Carr (177 pages) For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1955 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1972 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the revised edition.
The Hardy Boys head to Guatemala to foil Albert Torres' plot to steal the national treasure.
36: The Secret Of Pirate's Hill
Original: 1956 John Almquist (Rewrite: Harriet Adams) (213 pages)
Revised: 1972 Priscilla Baker-Carr (178 pages) For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1956 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1972 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for the revised edition.
Pre-1987 PC editions with blank endpapers are scarce.
The Hardy Boys go skin-diving to find a missing treasure in gold near Bayport.
37: The Ghost At Skeleton Rock
Original: 1957 James Lawrence (184 pages)
Revised: 1966 Priscilla Baker-Carr (177 pages) For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1957 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1966 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Revised text PC with 1957 cover art is rare.
The Hardy Boys head to the Caribbean to thwart Durling Hamilton's plot to fund a Cuban revolution and build an atomic weapon.
38: The Mystery At Devil's Paw
Original: 1959 James Lawrence (Andrew Svenson wrote the last 3 chapters) (183 pages)
Revised: 1973 Priscilla Baker-Carr (180 pages) For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1959 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1973 Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for both the original and revised editions.
The Hardy Boys head up to Alaska to solve some mysterious disappearances and break up a plot to steal a lost US moon rocket.
39: The Mystery Of The Chinese Junk
1960 James Lawrence (184 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: DJ edition is hard to locate.
The Hardy Boys and Chet become owners of the Chinese junk Hai Hau which contains a hidden treasure.
40: Mystery Of The Desert Giant
1961 James Buechler (182 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: DJ edition is scarce.
The Hardy Boys and Chet search on the California desert for missing industrialist, Willard Grafton, and break up a gang of criminals intent on defrauding the US government.
41: The Clue Of The Screeching Owl
1962 James Buechler (177 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys and Chet are in the Pocono Mountains to locate Mr. Hardy's missing friend, a retired police captain, and solve the mystery of spooky Black Hollow.
42: The Viking Symbol Mystery
1963 Alistair Hunter (175 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys and Chet travel to Canada's Northwest Territories to recover a stolen Viking artifact.
43: The Mystery Of The Aztec Warrior
1964 Harriet S. Adams (178 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: Copies with complete fold out advertisement in back are rare.
The Hardy Boys head to Mexico to rescue Chet and solve the mystery of a cryptic will.
44: The Haunted Fort
1965 David Grambs (176 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: In my opinion, this has to be one of the most moronic stories in the canon.
Chet, attending a summer art school in New England, calls on the Hardy Boys to solve the mystery of the theft of two valuable oil paintings and find a lost treasure of gold.
45: The Mystery Of The Spiral Bridge
1966 Andrew Svenson (177 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys head to New York City and Kentucky to bring the kidnappers of Mr. Hardy to justice.
46: The Secret Agent On Flight 101
1967 Tom Mulvey (176 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: Harriet Adams and Grace Grote made many changes to the Mulvey manuscript and retyped it (apparently using their toes and with their eyes closed!)
Harriet S. Adams also signed a release form for this title.
The worst story in the canon. Virtually unreadable. PU!
Working with a US spy agency, "SKOOL", the Hardy Boys travel to Scotland to battle the agents of "UGLI" and break up an international spy ring.
47: Mystery Of The Whale Tattoo
1968 Jerrold Mundis (174 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys travel to Connecticut, New York and California to break up a gang of mysteriously tattooed thieves.
48: The Arctic Patrol Mystery
1969 Andrew Svenson (176 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys go to Iceland to locate a missing man and foil a plot aimed against the NASA moon project.
49: The Bombay Boomerang
1970 Vincent Buranelli (180 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys head to sea to solve the theft of mercury shipments and a government missile and foil a terrorist plan to create havoc in the USA.
50: Danger On Vampire Trail
1971 Andrew Svenson (175 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Chet, Biff and the Hardy Boys head to the Colorado Rockies to smash a credit card forgery syndicate.
51: The Masked Monkey
1972 Vincent Buranelli (178 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys go to Brazil to locate the son of a wealthy industrialist and destroy a passport theft/phony identity ring.
52: The Shattered Helmet
1973 Andrew Svenson (180 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys travel to Greece to locate a long-lost ancient Greek helmet and help Mr. Hardy break up an international crime syndicate.
53: The Clue Of The Hissing Serpent
1974 Andrew Svenson (181 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys are in Hong Kong to solve the riddle of the serpent balloon and locate a missing chess trophy and wind up crushing an international crime ring.
54: The Mysterious Caravan
1975 Andrew Svenson (182 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys travel from Jamaica to Morocco to solve the mystery of an ancient bronze death mask and help Mr. Hardy break up an airline ticket theft ring.
55: The Witchmaster's Key
1976 Vincent Buranelli (179 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: After the first printing, the text on pages 178 & 179 was modified slightly to include the title of the next book.
The Hardy Boys travel to England, Ireland and the Isle of Man and battle black magic to solve the robbery of Professor Rowbotham's fortune.
56: The Jungle Pyramid
1977 Vincent Buranelli (180 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: One of the best of the later stories.
The Hardy Boys travel to Switzerland and the Yucatan jungle to locate stolen gold bullion.
57: The Firebird Rocket
1978 Vincent Buranelli (180 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
The Hardy Boys head to Australia to locate a missing rocket scientist.
58: The Sting Of The Scorpion
1979 James Lawrence (180 pages) For Sale
Art: Rudy Nappi
Notes: After the first four printings in 1979, the text on page 179 was modified to remove the title of the planned next book, Night Of The Werewolf.
The Hardy Boys hunt a gang of terrorists and run into mystery at a new animal park on the Bayport outskirts.
The Hardy Boys Detective Handbook
Original: 1959 Dominick A. Spina
Revised: 1972 William F. Flynn For Sale
Revision: Slightly Altered
Art: 1959 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1972 Rudy Nappi
Art: 1987 Rudy Nappi (Modification of 1972 art)
Notes: Considered as part of the original series by most collectors.
Originally an oversized book, this volume was reduced in size to match the rest of the series in 1987.
Both the putative "authors" were law enforcement officers. Despite the fact that they both signed releases, I doubt that they did anything other than collect a pay check. In all likelihood both books were authored by the Syndicate's staff or ghostwriters.
Mr. Spina was arrested in a corruption probe of Newark NJ and Mr. Flynn was then hired to lend his name to the revised edition.
Several didactic short fictional stories illustrating various actual crime detection methods.
59: Night Of The Werewolf
1979 James Lawrence (181 pages) For Sale
Art: George Gaadt
The Hardy Boys head to the Adirondacks to track a wolf-like creature and solve industrial sabotage.
60: Mystery Of The Samurai Sword
1979 James Lawrence (179 pages) For Sale
Art: George Gaadt
The Hardy Boys investigate the disappearance of a Japanese business tycoon.
61: The Pentagon Spy
1980 Vincent Buranelli (182 pages) For Sale
Art: George Gaadt
The Hardy Boys investigate the theft of antique weathervanes and the disappearance of a Navy employee and a top-secret document.
62: The Apeman's Secret
1980 James Lawrence (184 pages) For Sale
Art: George Gaadt
The Hardy Boys investigate a mysterious Apeman and the disappearance of an 18-year-old girl.
63: The Mummy Case
1980 Vincent Buranelli (180 pages) For Sale
Art: George Gaadt
The Hardy Boys head to Egypt to investigate the theft of 5 priceless Egyptian statuettes.
64: Mystery Of Smugglers Cove
1980 Vincent Buranelli (181 pages) For Sale
Art: George Gaadt
The Hardy Boys travel to Florida to recover a valuable stolen painting.
65: The Stone Idol
1981 Vincent Buranelli (177 pages) For Sale
Art: Steven Assel
A missing stone idol and thefts from Navy bases lead the Hardy Boys from the Andes to Easter Island.
66: The Vanishing Thieves
1981 Richard Deming (179 pages) For Sale
Art: Steven Assel
The Hardy Boys head to the West Coast to locate a stolen rare coin.
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1970 - Grosset & Dunlap released a 3 in 1 volume containing the revised text of the first 3 stories. New cover art by Nappi was used. Nancy Drew and The Bobbsey Twins also turned up in this format. The Bobbsey Twins edition is very hard to locate.
1971 - A Superboy / Supergirl Anthology
1975 - Grosset & Dunlap printed library editions of all the books. These picture cover books are bound in a very light blue and use the same art as the regular editions. There's an extra set of blank endpapers, the boards are thicker and the binding is much sturdier than the regular edition. Some binding variations have been reported. G&D printed these until at least 1980. 1976 - Grosset & Dunlap book club editions with dustjackets. Binding is blue and the books are larger than the regular books. The DJ's are blue and use the picture cover art. The first 3 titles were released in this format. 1978 - 9 volume 2 in 1 book club set.
1978 - Grosset & Dunlap released the 3 volume Hardy Boys Favorite Classics picture cover books, each with a preface by Franklin W. Dixon.
1987 - Easton Press reprints.
1987 - Grosset & Dunlap released a 2 in 1 edition of the revised texts of "The Tower Treasure" & "The House On The Cliff". Various binding variations reported. Still available as of June 2004. For Sale 1999 - DJ 3 in 1 Edition - Smithmark Publishing
2004 - Best of Hardy Boys Classic Collection #1 - For Sale
Current
Applewood Books published facsimile First Editions of the original text versions. This project ended as of 2007. When releasing volume 12, they departed from producing facsimiles and released this volume with the same red binding as their previous releases even though this story never came in this binding style. |
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