See my previous Golden Guide post to see a few other cover and title variations.
vintage books
Golden Guides
art, Environment, Photo Journal, vintage, vintage books, vintage illustration, vintage shopThe Golden Guides, originally Golden Nature Guides, were a series of 160-page, pocket-sized books created by Western Publishing and published under their “Golden Press” line (primarily a children’s book imprint) starting in 1949.
These books were written by experts in their field and illustrated in a simple straightforward style. Intended for primary and secondary school level readers, the first books were field guides illustrated by James Gordon Irving.
Packed with information, maps, charts and beautiful photographs.
Golden Guides are collectible and make great gifts for nature lovers.
You can purchase Vintage Golden Guides on both of my Etsy sites. Links Below.
See more titles and cover variations here!
Bartender’s Guide, 1948
Craft DIY, food, recipes, vintage, vintage books
Bartenders Guide By Trader Vic
Cemented in the tiki hall of fame with his signature drinks and successful restaurant chain, Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) allegedly invented Tiki Classic Cocktail, Mai Tai .
With over 1500 Classic cocktail recipes this Bartenders Guide includes advice on how to be a great host and appropriate tiki centric glassware.
This copy came with a bonus hand written recipe!
SOLD.
The Birds, 1967
art, Photo Journal, vintage, vintage books“The association of men with birds has been long and close. Birds and men alike are active mostly during the day, so they share a familiar world of color and sound. In ancient times, priests of pagan cults believed that in some way bird flight foretold the future.”
One of my favorite things to collect are vintage nature and science books. The ones I enjoy most are targeted towards young readers and reliably have the most WONDERFUL, original illustrations and early photography. Check out these beautiful drawings and diagrams from this 1967 print of The Birds.
This book is available for purchase. $12, Shipped in the US.
Vintage Book / The Birds / 1967
Vintage Science Book for young readers.
$12.00
Vintage Cannabis Grow Book
Garden, vintage, vintage booksCheck out this cool vintage find I brought home from a recent visit to Vancouver BC.
One of Bill Drake’s seminal works on growing marijuana The Cultivator’s Handbook of Marijuana was self published in paperback / zine format in 1970 (this is a first edition). Definitely has an aura of authenticity and “can do” spirit that marked this early era in cannabis culture.
There are a few pictures from previous generations grow operations.
Cool black and white illustrations, political commentary and detailed instructions on the cultivation of marijuana.
This book is available for purchase on my etsy site. Click SHOP in the Menu .
A Piñata for Every Ocassion
Craft DIY, vintage, vintage booksI am obsessed with Mexico, it’s true!
We are taking our second trip to Mexico City at the end of this month and so in that spirit I thought I’d share some pics I snapped from this vintage Piñata book that I sold in my Etsy shop a few months back.
“A piñata is a container often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth; it is decorated, and filled with small toys or candy, or both, and then broken as part of a ceremony or celebration. Piñatas are commonly associated with Mexico.”
First, I love this gorgeous font and all of the details!
The book was published in 1966 and was very well researched. Discussed in detail the history of Piñatas, both Spanish and Mexican traditions. It also included detailed instructions on how to make piñatas with charming illustrations.
My favorite two Piñata figures were the Witch and Santa (below) simply because of the smiles the illustrator stuck on their faces.
The copy I had of this has sold, but a quick google search will reveal available copies in the universe usually at reasonable prices. My hope is to find another copy in the wild that is in better condition. I wanted to capture some of the images inside for inspiration down the road when I’m looking for a DIY project.
If you’re interested in Vintage Books like this, give my Etsy Shops a quick visit!
See photos from my last Mexico City trip HERE.
Black & White #1
vintage, vintage booksPencil Illustrations
by Robert Lougheed
From the book SAN DOMINGO, The MEDICINE HAT STALLION
Written by Marguerite Henry
Black & Blue #2
vintage, vintage booksAction Drawings
Illustrations by Ed Vebell.
From ‘Sports Illustrated: Book of Swimming’ published in 1960 by the editors of Sports Illustrated
Black & Blue #1
food, vintage, vintage books
Space Illustrations
From the book ‘All About the STARS’ by Anne Terry White published by Random house in 1954.
Illustrations by Melvin Bilek.
I love how simple and deeply pigmented these illustrations are. This book is sixty-three years old and was published before the first moon walk in 1969.
Even though the science is a touch outdated, these images still stir up wonder and amazement .
Impressive sparkling celestial images using only two colors and the white of the page.
Right now my favorite image is of the eclipse below. Oregon received many visitors this year being in the path of totality.
Vintage Children’s Books
vintage, vintage booksI visit second hand shops bi-weekly and almost always find items that fit seamlessly with the items already in my home. Giving a second life to items that people no longer wanted makes shopping second hand such a rewarding hobby. I can’t leave behind a good find just because I can’t find an immediate use for it in my life and I grow small collections of like items over time.
I find that most educational children’s books from the 1950’s have incredible art work on the covers and within. Even though some of the scientific captions are inaccurate in 2017, there is a wealth of information in these guides usually with sweet and detailed illustrations of the subject matter.
I’m saving my personal copies of Golden Guides and children’s learning books from the 50’s for myself and future children. Anyone who has a love for science and nature will see the value in preserving these charming books and referencing them often.
I like to keep and eye out for duplicates, sometimes they are in better shape than the ones I currently have. Books missing critical pages or covers make great gifts for vintage paper enthusiast and collage makers as these illustrations are perfect for art projects and thoughtful stationary. I purchase these books from thrift and antique shops as well as directly from Etsy and online sellers.
You can find a great collection of books and paper goods on my own etsy shop:
and see whats new and coming up at the shop on Instagram @blackwellhabitat
