National Geographic issue with most pages?

[Robert Zelenak]

Would anyone be able to tell me what National Geographic magazine issue was the thickest, most pages? I’m guessing it was probably December 1988?

That was the hologram issue!!

[Russell. Belding]

Yes, if you count the ads.  If you don't count the ads, it's pages 765-946, a total of 182 pages.  The text pages of the April 1913 issue came to 188 pages. So, the December 1988 issue has more pages total, (more ad pages) but, given the thickness of the magazine's pages in 1913, I'm thinking April 1913 wins for thickness (or overall weight).  (I don't have both issues, so I can't make a real-life comparison.)

[Robert Zelenak]

That makes sense to me, December 1988 has the most pages. Well I do know the October 1963 issue (75th anniversary special) is 188 pages as that’s mentioned in the introductory page written by Mel Grosvenor. That issue probably has the 2nd most pages. But I think you’re right in terms of the thickness April 1913 would the winner.

[Russell. Belding]

I still need to read that Mel Grosvenor book.  Have you read it?  If so, how is it?

[Robert Zelenak]

I don’t know what book you are referring to. Sorry.

[Russell. Belding]

My mistake! Melville Bell Grosvenor published a book about his life at National Geographic in 2022, called "A Man of the World: My Life at National Geographic."  I found a video on YouTube where he was interviewed about it, and it was quite interesting.  Still haven't picked up a copy, though. From what I gather, NGM collectors might find it worthwhile.

[Robert Zelenak]

I see. Yes I’ve heard he wrote a book. I was referring to his father Melville in my earlier post.

[Melvin L. De Vilbiss]

I would suspect you gentlemen are correct on the two most numerous page total issues.

However, you may want to complete your investigations with the 1920's.

A couple of samples are:

1) Dec 1922 with 129 article pages and 54 advertisement pages; total 183 pgs.

2) Apr 1923 with 123 article pages and 68 advertisement pages; total 191 pgs.

There are a bunch of thick issues from the late teens to the early '30's.

Enjoy your counting!

Mel

[Robert Zelenak]

Thanks, Mel! Well, I definitely know there are some issues in the late 1920s that are rather Thick. Surprising at some of the early 1930s issues are thick because it was a Surprising at some of the early 1930s issues are thick because it was a great depression years and membership was down l. Also, notice how the years 1944 and 1945 are quite thin? Looks like they use carbon paper.

[Russell. Belding]

I agree that the Depression cut down on advertising, and maybe on paper stock as well, especially after 1930.  And, after the really thin paper of the WWII years (maybe a function of some kind of rationing?) I don't think the paper used ever went back to its pre-war thickness.

[Robert Zelenak]

Yep it was all about rationing.