Sometime in the late 1960s, Bob went on "The Tonight Show" and talked with Johnny Carson about how much he loved Big Little Books. I think some people from around the country sent some to him, but I do know that is the time he began collecting in earnest.
He had a collection of 500 books, with doubles of each, making the total 1000. He kept the books in custom made wooden display cases, that lined the wall of his Beverly Hills home, actually following the curving spiral staircase that spanned all three floors of the house.
That home, on Readcrest Drive (which was featured of course in "Vanity"), is now owned by horror author Clive Barker. There is interview footage of Barker, I believe from an episode of "Biography", which features the author in front of a tiled fireplace, which is in the living room. There is also footage of Barker in his studio painting, which was formerly the garage. Barker actually bought the houses on either side, turning it into a compound.
Sadly to say, Bob sold the collection years ago, for much less than they were worth.
MBF
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