Here’s a handsome, complete 10-volume set of The Book of Popular Science—a mid-century science reference designed for curious minds and home libraries.
Issued by The Grolier Society in 1955, these volumes capture the excitement of the Space-Age era with accessible articles, photographs, and diagrams across astronomy, biology, physics, technology, and more.
The set includes an index volume for quick lookup and is richly illustrated throughout. Photo-verified and ready to display, study, or style on your shelves.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: 10-volume hardcover reference set
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Size: 10 × 7 × 0.05 in (per volume, approx.)
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Material: Hardcover boards (leatherette) with gilt spine titling
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Color: Maroon/brown boards; gilt lettering; age-toned pages
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Origin or Maker: The Grolier Society, Inc., New York & Toronto
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Year or Era: 1955 edition
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GENRE: Science Reference / Popular Science
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Language / Pages: English; various page counts by volume
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Identifiers: Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 54-11292 (visible on Vol. 1)
Edition & Features
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Edition/Printing: Later edition (1955); subsequent copyright renewals listed
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Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Numerous b&w photos, diagrams, and plates throughout
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Extras: Complete in 10 volumes including a dedicated Index volume
Condition Grade: Good
Notes: Clean, complete set with expected shelf wear to boards and spine ends; light rubbing to corners and edges; gilt titling remains clear and legible. Pages show even age toning typical of mid-century paper; scattered light foxing noted in places. Bindings sound across volumes. 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 / Maker
Founded in New York, The Grolier Society was known for authoritative, beautifully produced reference works, including The Book of Knowledge. The Book of Popular Science brought contemporary scientific advances to general readers in an engaging, illustrated format.
Add a slice of Space-Age curiosity to your shelves—this complete 10-volume set is ready to research and display.
Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.
While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
About Reading Vintage
At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.
