By sheer happenstance I was surfing through Craigslist and found a collection of National Geographic magazines from 1985-2005. The seller was only asking for $25. The magazines are in top condition. I couldn’t believe what a treasure I had come across. My grandmother has a collection dating back to at least mid century and has been keeping those for me. So, combined, I should have a fantastic library.
National Geographic actually has a “Collector’s Corner” and I’ve already learned that I can’t store the magazines in boxes or wooden bookcases.
If you’re looking for a rare NGS product, consult their dealer directory. eBay is also a great source for National Geographic Magazine. Pages upon pages of original magazines dating back to the beginning years, many of which are sold in complete years. Good luck and have fun!
This post allows me to gloat that we have a bound set of Nat’l Geos from 1913-1918. They blow my mind every time I crack them open. One of my favorite things in them is the spread on the National Parks of the West, complete with hand colored photos of places we’ve been on road trips – Mt. Rainier, Sequoia, Crater Lake… They are magic, simply magic.
We also have some turn of the century Baedeker travel guides with the prettiest tissue thin fold out maps you’ll ever lay eyes on. Thrift store/garage sale scores, all.
A few years ago, I picked up the complete Nat Geog from 1888-2000 on CDROM. All pages were scanned, and they filled 35 CD’s or so. Even the ad pages were included. OK, so I don’t get the thrill of physically (and carefully) turning the yellowed pages of that first 1888 edition, but I can search all volumes by place and topic. It’s a great resource for travel writers.
I also came across a similar find for British Columbia Magazine. The stack was in a local library and the issues were from the 1960\’s and 1970\’s. The beauty of it is the articles are still as relevant today as much of the magazine back then was about parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife – all things that don\’t change too much over time. Of course, the best part is the style of clothing and hair in the old photos.
I love National Geographic Magazine! My wife gave me a gift subscription for father’s day about 9 years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Actually, I was hooked even before then. I read every issue, every article, every page (except the ads).
I have been collecting them, as well. I have a certain 5 issues to find, and then I’ll have every issue from the present, back until the 1940s. In addition to that, I have several scattered issues back in the 30s, 20s, and 19 teens. I will not stop until I have collected them all!
I have been searching for other National Geographic Magazine enthusiasts such as myself. I would love to talk about all things NGM with other enthusiasts, and have created a NGM forum just for that purpose. If you’d like to join in the discussion, contact me at: bradleymickelson@hotmail.com
Happy reading and happy collecting!
I’ve been collecting the mag since 1996, and have also been buying the annual slipcases to store them in. Recently, I too have been surfing CL trying to pick up other years (w/ cases) dating back to the year of my birth. I’m almost there, and the idea is to eventually have my whole life in National Geographics for my kids (still waiting for the wife and kids part) to have as a sort of testament to my years on earth… not to mention that they make a stunning display in their own special bookcase.
I am in possesion of a collection of national geographic magazine.
From 1938-1976 boundin hard cover by national geographic one year editions per binding in excelent condition.
From 1976 -2007 each months edition seperate in orginal cover in verious condition.
i am interested selling the collection and would aprtiate some help and advice as i am absed in south africa and it aperes the is not enough of a local market for this type of a collection.
Please email me at gsmollan@gmail.com with value and best method to sell on the international market.