Looking for a book published before ISBNs

[Goldie]

I have a friend who published a book called "Steelwalker" by R. A. Alexander back in the 1960's, before ISBNs were in use. I don't think they started until about 1970. It was published by Doubleday. She's tried to contact them but they are no help without an ISBN. Her editor and agent have both passed on and she lost her only copies to a burglary. I've googled it and checked with Amazon.com, but can't find it. I was thinking maybe there was a way to find it through the library system. Do any of you know a way I might find it for her?

[rivka, Former Moderator]

Please clarify: are you looking for actual copies of this book, or for a record of it on GR?

[Goldie]

I'd love to find actual copies, but I'd settle for some kind of record it exists somewhere.

[rivka, Former Moderator]

GR has no record of that title or that author, unfortunately.

[Goldie]

Thank you so much for checking.

[rivka, Former Moderator]

Good luck! It can be very difficult to track down pre-ISBN books, especially if they were limited printings.

[Lindajean]

Have you checked WorldCat to see if any libraries own copies?

[Goldie]

Now I feel silly. It turns out she sold it, got an advance, and then they sent her three proof copies. Those were the ones stolen. She couldn't travel when they wanted her to so it was never printed, other than the proofs. So sorry for your troubles. I appreciate you checking into it for me.