Question about 1959 and 1979 covers.

[stephen zamarin]

I was wondering if anyone knows the reason why the August 1959 issue didn't have a photo on the cover? The July issue had a cover photo. Then, in September 1959 they put a photo on the cover and had a cover photo since then. Another question I have is similar. The July 1979 issue is when they redid the cover by getting rid of the oak border. Then, the August 1979 issue reverted back to the old style. The September 1979 issue went back to the new style. Was there ever a reason for that change?

[George Thomas Wilson]

Trial runs, perhaps?  Interesting that it was the same Jul-Sep time frame for each.

[Robert Zelenak]

Those are questions I've had too. I find it interesting on how throughout the early 1960's photos on the cover slowly took over the white in the middle of the cover. Too bad they got rid of the oak boarder though. Something there, were it
slowly faded away also. except for July 1972, no oak border. January 1960 was the first issue were the list the contents is on  the side. 

I have a related question,Does anyone know why National Geographic went trough 5 different cover designs in 21 years before settling on the 6th design with yellow and oak border for nearly 50 years? First issue was February 1910 and last was August 1959.