Natural History / Biology Textbook Lot — Elements of Biology (1957) + Biology: The Living World (1968) — Illustrated Hardcovers | Mid-Century Science
$44.00$0.00
A paired set of classic biology / natural history textbooks from the 1950s–1960s classroom era. Elements of Biology (1957) offers clear explanations with abundant B&W photos and charts; Biology: The Living World (1968) adds vivid color art and updated science for the period.
Together they make a solid reference and striking display—perfect for homeschoolers, teachers, and retro science décor.
Quick Specs
- Item Type: Lot of 2 vintage hardcover biology textbooks
- Size: Book 1 — 9 × 6 × 1.5 in; Book 2 — 9 × 7 × 1.25 in
- Material: Cloth over boards; paper text blocks
- Color: Olive/green boards with printed motifs
- Origin or Maker: Allyn & Bacon (Book 1); Ginn and Company (Book 2)
- Year or Era: 1957; 1968
- GENRE: Natural History / Biology Textbooks
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Language / Pages: English — 746 pp; 705 pp
Edition & Features
- Edition/Printing: Later revised edition (1957); later printing (1968)
- Dust Jacket: Missing (both)
- Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Book 1—extensive B&W photos, charts, diagrams; Book 2—numerous color illustrations and B&W figures, unit self-tests
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Extras: Period study references; classroom objectives
Condition Grade: Good
Notes: Sound bindings; expected shelf and edge wear; corner bumps/rubs; typical age toning. Prior owner names/notations present. Text pages clean and fully legible.
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.
Provenance & Notes
Handwritten ownership mark visible; estate source. Additional publisher data/IDs: Not provided.
About the Author
William M. Smallwood and collaborators shaped American high-school biology for decades; Allyn & Bacon served as a leading U.S. educational publisher throughout the 20th century.
Add a foundational natural-history text to your shelf—great for study, decor, or gift-giving.
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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.
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Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.
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Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.
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With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.
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Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.
Good to Know Before You Buy
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