Value of National Geographic Set ???

[Russ Levere]

I have a set of N.G. from 1888 thru 1966 that I would like to sell (1888 thru 1907 are reprints). They are all bound and in excellent condition- the reprints have pockets in the back with the maps. The reprints are bound in a plain brown binding with gold letters, and the issues from 1908 thru 1966 are in a dark binding with globe on front and Lindbergh-type plane atop. These came to me from my late father and I don't have enough room for all these magazines. Also, how many reprints were made (about 1965 I believe)? I can supply photos if any interest.

[Scott T. Shier]

Hello Russ,

You just posted a quite an impressive set there, to be sure. What is the exterior condtion of the 1908 + up "Albrecht" covers ? Those were the nicest binding covers ever done.

As for your 1888-1907 reprints volumes, that IS something. Feel free to email me at [e-mail] and we can chat about that, I can give you some info. For those in particular, they need to be handled in a careful, shrewd manner (on your part) - you wouldn't want to "give" them away.

- Scott T. Shier

[Richard Root]

Hello Russ,
I'm also very interested in the collection you have and would like to talk more. As Mr. Shier said, you don't want to give them away but get a fair price. Also where are you located because the shipping for that set would be quite costly. Send me an email at [e-mail] and also some pictures if that is possible.

Thanks,
R. Root

[Scott T. Shier]

The NGS issued the reprints in 1964. They published all the issues from 1888-1907 (first 20 years). This was an enormous undertaking, and a first in the Magazine and publishing world.

They issued a limited run of 1,000 copies (per issue). From 1888-1896, there were sporatic issue/volumes (issues designated by Number (No.), and Volume #. Number referred to 1-6 for Jan through June, being the first volume, and July-December were No.'s 1-6 again, comprising Vol. 2. Again, in the first years this was deviated from as there was inconsistent issues. The reason was the NGM started as a technical journal, put together by specialists in geo-physical fields; being hands-on individuals, they were often unavailable for portions of the year to be contributing to the Magazine. Notable is that many of the "articles" were actually texts from the Speech/Lecture series which was held at the Cosmos Club, the Corcoran Gallery, and then their own first headquarters, Hubbard Memorial Hall. Gardinier G. Hubbard was the Society's first president, and primary impetus to gathering the 32 other founders and the rest is history!

The NGS also produced in an unknown, yet limited quantity, the Reprints in Bound-Volume (book) form. While the 1,000 copies were the individual single issues, it is largely thought that the Bound Volumes were in addition to, and not part of, the 1,000. The NGS has never confirmed or denied this, and have at times claimed no awareness of which case it is - they say the records are incomplete or missing.

Due to the enormous surge in membership through-out World War 2 and into the 1950's, demand for the early back-issues sky-rocketed. Thus they reprinted the issues. The reprints are excellent reproductions. There are a few differences though: the paper was better grade, and heavier lb., coated thicker for durability, and the page/cover sizes for 1888-1903 were enlarged to make them of "uniform" size with the Magazine, 1904 to present. Be aware too, that all and any map supplements and charts were also reprinted and included, as they were in the original issues.

There was a smaller-scale reprintng effort in 1922, where they reprinted, in the original size, the magazines from 1888-1890. Again, in 1975, they issued reprints of Number 1, Volume 1 (October 1888).

This may be useful or interesting background on the Reprints for you.

- Scott S.

[Russ Levere]

Scott-thanks very much for this info, which greatly increases my knowledge of the background of this set.
Russ

[George Lowe]

I have three volumes of this same set that I acquired several years ago. I had chosen the volumes when I couldn't buy them all, much to my great dismay now. The subjects I was interested in were the Philippine Islands and Alaska. Volume I covers 1888- 1889; Volume X is for 1899 and Volume XV is for the year 1904. I was going to put these on eBay but if anyone here is interested I will be willing to offer them to you genuine collectors. I would also like to get some idea of the pricing on them.

[Scott T. Shier]

Hello George -

I was just curious...may I ask how come you say you regret buying those Bound Reprints? And, did you ever end up acquiring the single copies?

~ Scott T. Shier

[George Lowe]

Hi Scott,
What I meant was that I regret having bought only the three which I did because that was all I could afford. Unfortunately what I managed to do first was purchase only three volumes of what appears to have been a good investment if I'd had the dough and second because some unfortunate person who would have loved to have the entire set now has three volumes missing.
The volumes are in pristine condition with the maps in the back. I think one of them has an extra map but I haven't figured out which map it is. Possibly a Philippine map.
George