Columbia Viking Desk Encyclopedia 1953, Complete Two Volume Set A-K L-Z
$19.99
The Columbia-Viking Desk Encyclopedia is a comprehensive two-volume reference set from 1953, designed as a compact desk reference that was standard in home libraries of the 1950s. This complete A-K and L-Z set includes maps, illustrations, and articles on history, science, geography, and more.
A solid choice for the vintage book collector, decorator, or anyone building a curated home library with authentic mid-century reference materials. These hardcover volumes have age and character, with all the patina you'd expect from classic reference books that were actually used and consulted.
Details
- Item: Reference encyclopedia, two-volume set
- Title: The Columbia-Viking Desk Encyclopedia
- Editor-in-Chief: William Bridgewater
- Publisher: The Viking Press, New York
- Copyright/Published: October 1953
- Format: Hardcover, no dust jackets
- Volumes: Volume I (A-K) and Volume II (L-Z)
- Total Pages: 1,398 pages combined
- Measurements: 9" H × 6" W × 2" D (both volumes together)
- Special Features: Includes illustrated maps (Atlantic World map visible), black and white illustrations throughout, subject index
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
- Complete two-volume set, both volumes intact and binding solid
- Pages are readable throughout with clear text and illustrations
- Maps and interior illustrations are crisp and well-preserved
- A functional reference set that shows honest use from the 1950s
Issues / Wear
- Pencil marks on some pages, consistent with reference book use
- Age-related yellowing and some page staining throughout
- Wear visible on spine edges from handling and shelf time
- No dust jackets (as commonly found with this edition)
See all photos for detail. Sold as pictured.
This October 1953 Viking Press two-volume set runs 1,398 pages with maps and illustrations from A to Z, and it suits a mid-century home library shelf. If it's the right copy for you, it's ready to come home.
- Near Fine: Close to new. Any flaw is small and named above.
- Very Good: Light use. Every flaw is named above, and none of them get in the way of reading or display.
- Good: Complete and usable, with clear signs of use. Every flaw is named above.
- Fair: Heavy wear or damage, named above. A reading or working copy, not a display piece.
Returns
You have 30 days from the delivery of the last item in your order to request a return. Items must come back in the condition they were sent, so please keep the original packaging and take photos before you open a package if it arrives damaged.
To start a return, email us at the address on your order confirmation. You are responsible for return shipping, and we recommend a tracked service, since we can only refund items that arrive back to us.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5 business days of the item arriving back in the condition it was sent. Original shipping charges are not refunded.
Anything marked Final Sale cannot be returned.
Cancellations
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Read the full Return and Refund
- Photo-verified condition, no surprises
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Questions buyers ask
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Every listing spells it out and shows it in photos. Chips, hairlines, crazing, worn plating, old repairs. If I did not mention it, it is not there.
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Yes. Every photo is the actual piece, taken by me. When it sells, it is gone.
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I note maker, mark, era, and measurements when I can confirm them, and say so plainly when I cannot. Unmarked pieces get dated by what the piece itself shows.
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I process your order within 1 business day, wrapped and boxed so it arrives the way it left here. Don't forget, free shipping on orders $35 and up.
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