A Brief Background of the Patrol Leader Handbook
(and other BSA Junior Leader Handbooks)

(Boy Scouts of America / Scouting America)

The BSA seems to be alternating between a dedicated patrol leader book and a generalized junior leader book.
3rd Edition

3rd Edition Summary and Printing History

title from title page—The Official Patrol Leader Handbook
overall author uncertain, but credit for "contributions" is given to William Hillcourt & Keith Monroe
cover art is 1979 Joseph Csatari painting "Eagle Service Project", of a patrol leader leading two other Scouts, a Cub Scout, and a dog toward his Eagle service project
1980-1990 (10 years)
?? copies printed
size 133x203x12 mm (5-1/4x8")
9 printings (I haven't kept up with different printings; any information you have is welcome):
—1st printing (Sep 1980, 100 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—2nd printing (?? 1981, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—3rd printing (May 1982, 30 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—4th printing (Jun 1983, 30 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—5th printing (Jan 1984, 30 000 copies)—204 numbered pages
—6th printing (?? 1985?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—7th printing (?? 1986?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—8th printing (?? 1987?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages
—9th printing (?? 1988?, ?? copies)—204 numbered pages

Actual 3rd Edition Table of Contents

Back to a generalized junior leader book. This contains many photographs instead of cartoon line drawings.
Junior Leader Handbook

Junior Leader Handbook Summary and Printing History

title from title page—Junior Leader Handbook
author is Thomas M. Dwyer, former senior editor of Boy's Life magazine
cover art is a photograph of a patrol leader and a younger Scout, with photos of the junior leader badges of office
1990-2002 (12 years)
?? copies printed
size 133x203x12 mm (5-1/4x8")
?? printings (I haven't kept up with different printings; any information you have is welcome):
—1st printing (1990 and following, ?? copies)—160 numbered pages

Actual Junior Leader Handbook Table of Contents