The Observer's Book of Firearms; The Observer's Book of Awards and Medals (Observer's Pocket series Nos. 75 and 55) (Two Volume Collection)

Two volumes from the Observer's Pocket book series, both first editions, first printings from 1978 and 1974 respectively.  (1) Firearms (printer's code 2701-2780).  192pp. with 119 monochrome photographic illustrations and nine line drawings. Deep green cloth-covered boards with white lettering front and spine.  16mo.  Previous owner's stamp on front free endpaper, a little dust marked on the upper text block edge else neat, clean, bright and tight throughout.  In its original, slightly toned dust wrapper, fading title on spine, lightly bumped on extreme edges.  Not price clipped showing a price of £1.25.  (2) Awards and Medals (printer's code 8.774).  192pp, with 186 monochrome illustrations and eight pages of colour illustrations. Deep blue cloth-covered boards with white lettering front and spine.  Upper text block edge a little dust marked, previous owner's initials neatly inked on front paste down else neat, clean, bright and tight throughout.  In its original glossy dust wrapper, lightly sunned over spine. Price clipped but carrying a publisher's price label showing £1.80. Observer's Pocket books is a series of pocket-sized books published by Frederick Warne and covering topics such as hobbies, art, nature and history.  The first in the series - British Birds - was published in 1937.  The 99th title, the Observer's Book of Observer's Books was released in 1999 (by Peregrine Books) in a matching format.  The series was rounded to 100 with the publication of Wayside and Woodland in 2003. Many of the titles have been revised, reprinted, updated and released in different dust wrappers over the years - it is estimated that there are some 800 variations - and have become collectible: the earlier numbers and rarer issues can be hard to find We have many books from the Observer Pocket Book series in stock and can offer generous discounts to those ordering more than one at a time.  Please inquire.