An extraordinary man whose creativity knew no limits, Melvin Powers accomplished more than most people even dream of. Again and again, he rose to the top of new fields, driven by curiosity, discipline, and a deep belief in human potential.

As a publisher he found and made famous many books now considered classics in the self–improvement movement, including Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, M.D., The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, Ph.D., A Guide to Rational Living by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. and Robert H. Harper Ph.D., and Three Magic Words by U.S. Andersen.

His innovative marketing made him a legendary mail order pioneer, and of the many successful books he wrote, How to Get Rich in Mail Order became the bible of the industry. He became a well-known expert on hypnotism when it was in its infancy and wrote books on the subject that also became highly acclaimed classics.

Eager to make books with powerful messages easily affordable and widely available, he chose to publish them in softcover.

The Midas Touch

Often called the man with the Midas touch, Melvin was always drawn to new creative challenges and his interests extended far beyond publishing.

He wrote songs with Tommy Boyce (songwriter for the Monkees) that charted on Billboard and earned them an ASCAP award. He produced and sold an album to Capitol Records, produced infomercials, bred and raced champion Arabian horses—an interest that led him to publish some of the first paperback books on horsemanship.

Whatever the field, he approached it with enthusiasm, originality, and a belief that success could be learned, shared, and expanded.

His Door Was Always Open

Melvin Powers was widely known for giving freely of himself, his time, his energy, and his experience. Meeting him, talking to him, attending his classes, and reading his books were a turning point in many people’s lives.

He shared the nuts and bolts of how to succeed in any endeavor, and offered help in following his own proven step-by-step blueprint for success.

Over the years, he received a steady stream of phone calls, letters, and emails—some people even came long distances to see him in person. Many shared how his words had stayed with them for years—guiding decisions, shaping careers, and changing the direction of their lives.

Each story was deeply meaningful to him.

Sharing Words of Wisdom

World-renowned musicians and celebrities also came to meet The Melvin Powers. They talked about his books and their lives. They spoke about ideas, and their work. Some gathered around the piano or guitar in his office and played music together. He kept their visits private and never betrayed a confidence.

What mattered most to him was the exchange of ideas—and the possibility that one idea could make a lasting difference.

A Philosophy That Lives On

Melvin Powers was a living example of the philosophy he wrote, published, and taught. His unique perspective inspired hope and gave people confidence in their ability to achieve far more than they thought possible.

That philosophy lives on today—in millions of books, and in the lives those books have touched.

The Next Chapter

As Wilshire Book Company enters a new era, we continue to build on that foundation.

Alongside our classic titles, we are expanding our publishing program to include new works in personal development, business thinking, and modern life philosophy—books that speak to today’s challenges while carrying forward the same spirit of clarity, practicality, and possibility.

Our goal is not simply to publish books.

It is to publish books that stay with you.