This complete four-volume vintage medical encyclopedia set offers a fascinating look at how medicine was explained to families in mid-century America. Published in the late 1950s–1960s and written for home use, these volumes present medical knowledge in a clear Q&A format, richly supported with diagrams and photographs.
Topics range from everyday ailments to surgery, mental health, and anatomy, reflecting both the science and social attitudes of the era. Photo-verified, complete with the original slipcase, and well suited for reading, research, or display.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: Four-volume medical encyclopedia set with slipcase
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Size: Slipcase approx. 10 × 7 × 7 in.; individual volumes approx. 10 × 7 × 1 in.
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Material: Cloth boards; printed paper
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Color: Gray cloth with red and gilt spine panels
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Origin or Maker: Abradale Press, United States
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Year or Era: 1959–1967 (mid-20th century)
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GENRE: Medical Reference / Mid-Century Nonfiction
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Language / Pages: English; multi-hundred pages per volume (complete set)
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Identifiers: Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 67-14553
Edition & Features
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Dust Jacket: Not provided (issued without dust jackets; housed in publisher’s slipcase)
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Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Black-and-white photographs, medical diagrams, charts, and illustrations throughout
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Extras: Original matching slipcase; gilt spine lettering
Condition Grade: Very Good
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Notes: All four volumes are clean, complete, and tightly bound with solid hinges. Pages show light, even age toning but remain bright and legible. Cloth boards are well preserved with minor shelf wear at edges and spine ends. Slipcase is intact with visible edge wear and surface scuffing consistent with age. No writing or missing pages observed.
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 Robert E. Rothenberg
Robert E. Rothenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S. was a practicing physician and medical editor whose work focused on translating professional medical knowledge into accessible language for the general public.
A striking mid-century reference set—equal parts conversation piece, research tool, and bookshelf anchor.
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.
