A shelf-worthy vintage Natural History / Wildlife Reference set that reads like a walk through the outdoor world—land, air, and sea—page by page. The Audubon Nature Encyclopedia is built for curious readers: clear entries, strong photographs, and classic mid-century illustration that makes you want to keep turning pages.
You’ll find wildlife, ecology, plants, habitats, and natural science topics presented in an approachable encyclopedia format—with picture plates sprinkled throughout. Photo-verified and ready for a new nature-loving home.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: 12-volume hardcover encyclopedia/reference set
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Size: 9.5 × 6.5 × 1 in (each volume)
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Material: Hardcover cloth boards (warm ivory) with Audubon medallion
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Color: Ivory/cream boards; tan/golden spine coverings with black lettering
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Origin or Maker: Curtis Books (Curtis Publishing Company), Philadelphia–New York (Sponsored by National Audubon Society)
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Year or Era: Copyright 1964, 1965
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GENRE: Natural History / Wildlife Reference
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Language / Pages: English / Page count Not provided
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Identifiers: Library of Congress Card Catalog No. 64-8877
Edition & Features
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Edition/Printing: First Printing (photo-verified)
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Dust Jacket: Not provided
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Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Photographs + illustrations + maps (photo-verified; includes classic Audubon-style bird plates shown)
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Extras: 12-volume set (spines numbered 1–12)
Condition Grade: Fair
Notes: This is a loved, working reference set with heavy exterior wear. Many volumes show torn/split spine coverings, chipping at edges, rubbing, and visible age toning; one volume shows a noticeable tear along the spine area (see photos). Boards show surface soiling/spotting in places. Interiors appear clean and readable on the pages shown, with strong image reproduction.
See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
About the Author: John K. Terres (Editor-in-Chief)
John K. Terres served as editor-in-chief for this National Audubon Society-sponsored reference work, shaping it into an accessible, image-rich guide to the natural world. A classic mid-century nature shelf staple—meant to be used, not just admired.
