Special Delivery

Jan 1952

Before there was online shopping, there was the travelling salesman. While some moved around on bicycles or with carts, some relied on good old foot power. Most carried their wares in cloth bags and slung over their shoulders. But heavier items like the Chinese Almanac (as above) demanded innovation. Enterprising salesmen started using bamboo sticks and hooks so the weight of these books would be balanced on their shoulders and much easier to cart around. Now, all you need is an app and a courier van. If the almanacs aren't available online, that is.