How many?

[Kevin W. Plaxco]

I've often wondered how many complete, original collections are out there.  On the one hand, there were only about three hundred members in Oct 1888 (don't have my Buxbaum handy to look up the exact number) plus however many additional copies they printed for libraries.   On the other hand, 125+ years is a long time for a magazine to withstand the revenges of time.  Any good estimates out there?

[Scott T. Shier]

Salient and intriguing query, Kevin ! 

Actually, there was a rather in-depth, extended back n' forth on this some years ago here on 'Corner, but I'd have to dig for it. It's going to be in the Paul Crist (alas, now deceased) discussions.... I can try and come back later with it if you or someone else doesn't conjure up the old thread link(s) first. 

Your are certainly right though, how many original --complete-- sets can there be now extant? Even the libraries that had them have mostly liquidated their periodicals & newspapers inventories, especially post-2000. They either go without, or procure the digital compendiums, or even just don't carry certain titles in any form. For shame, eh.

   ~ Scott Shier

[Melvin L. De Vilbiss]

FYI: The NGS began 1888 with 165 members and ended its second year with 228 members.

I know one person, and Australian, with a complete set of originals - not something everyone really wants to advertise - for insurance purposes...

[Scott T. Shier]

of course, "he" is not the only one...

: ) 

[Kevin W. Plaxco]

Alas, Scott, a search on Crist's name doesn't turn up that discussion.  Any other insights?   And yes, indeed, "he" is not the only one!

-K

[George Thomas Wilson]

Kevin,

On pages 382-385 of his 1971 book, Collector's Guide to The National Geographic Magazine, Edwin C. Buxbaum lists 65 "Complete Original Sets in Libraries in the United State and Canada".

Tom Wilson

[Kevin W. Plaxco]

So, fewer than 300 or so complete original sets. 65 sent to libraries, plus fewer than 228 members (and more than 165).