Golden Guide Trio — Stars, Bats of the World, Butterflies & Moths (c. 1964–1994) | Vintage Science & Nature Field Guides

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Three classic Golden Guide paperbacks in one pocketable set—perfect for curious readers, junior naturalists, and anyone who loves mid-century science art.

You’ll get full-color illustrations, species IDs, sky maps, and bite-size explanations written for beginners but fun for adults, too. Durable, travel-friendly, and photo-verified for condition—ready to enjoy or gift.

Quick Specs

Item Type: Vintage paperback bundle (set of 3)

Included Titles:

  1. Stars — Herbert S. Zim & Robert H. Baker; illus. James Gordon Irving; Golden Press/Western Publishing (Revised ed.).
  2. Bats of the World — Gary L. Graham, Ph.D.; illus. Fiona A. Reid; Golden Press/Western Publishing, 1994.
  3. Butterflies and Moths — Robert T. Mitchell & Herbert S. Zim; illus. André Durenceau; Golden Press/Western Publishing.
  • Measurements: each approx. 6 × 4 × 0.25 in
  • Language / Pages: English; ~160 pp each (3 books total ≈ 480 pp)
  • Materials: Illustrated softcovers (glossy wraps)
  • Era: 1960s–1990s printings
  • GENRE: Science & Nature, Field Guides
  • Illustrations/Features: Full-color plates, diagrams, species charts, sky charts; handy pocket size
  • Identifiers

  • Butterflies & Moths: LCCN 64-24907 (copyright page).
  • Bats of the World: ISBN/LCCN 0-307-24080-0
  • Stars 

Suggested Uses: Field reference, homeschool, display, nature journaling, gift for young scientists

Edition & Features

  • Edition/Printing: Mixed later printings (Revised/updated content typical of Golden Guides)
  • Publisher: Golden Press / Western Publishing Company, Inc. (Racine, WI / New York)
  • Special Features: Vibrant vintage illustration styles; concise species notes; pocket format beloved by collectors
  • Collector Note: Golden Guides are a long-running, highly collectible field-guide series—sets by theme are shelf-friendly and giftable.

Condition Overall Grade: Very Good (set)

Highlights: Clean, bright interiors; bindings square; covers retain good gloss; strong shelf appeal.
Noted Flaws: Light corner/edge wear and small rubs to wraps; owner name written on the inside cover of Stars; typical paper toning.
See all photos; sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key

  1. Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
  2. Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
  3. Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
  4. Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

Full Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note: These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference. We pack each order with care to ensure your purchase arrives safely. If you have any questions or would like more photos before buying, please feel free to ask.

About Reading Vintage

At Reading Vintage, I curate unique, well-loved books and vintage collectibles for collectors and curious minds alike.

Good to Know Before You Buy

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.

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.

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.

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.