The first two books of the Observer's Book series, appeared over sixty years ago, in 1937.

  They were published by Fredrick Warne and Co. The books are   small
  white hardcover books, size (width 9.5cm/height 14.5cm),
  (with the exception of number 91 World Atlas which is slightly larger),
  the last being published in this format was Opera in 1982.

  Few then would have predicated that the series would grow into a
  hundred volumes and become one of the most successful in publishing
  history, with sales of thirty million spread over three book-buying
  generations.
  What was their secret? Perhaps they had the right level of information in
  just the right quantity and of the right quality. They presented a well-
  balanced combination of pictures and words, as books for the observer
  must do.

What was arguably their central attraction, however was that they were pocket-sized and based on what people could find for themselves on country walks or in a collection or museum. Over the years, the series presented a wonderful pageant of wildlife, inventions, hobbies, art and cultivation. The first two titles were.

The Observer's Book of British Birds

The Observer's Book of British Wild Flowers

Both were published in 1937

The books are on a variety of subjects. Officially termed Observer's Pocket Series. Altogether there are 98 different titles, though the numbers are from 1 to 99 number 86 Country Houses was never printed.

These small, attractive books offer any collector a lifetime of pleasure, whether simply for reading, collecting one of every title, every edition of a particular title, or every edition of every title. In the latter, there are more than 800 variations, taking into account the renamed, revised, reprints and new editions. So you can imagine, collecting all the variations is a life times work, enjoyable and challenging searching for these books.

Up until recently the books were still being published, but in a different and larger format and no longer published by F. Warne and Co. As well as the 98 British titles published, 8 Australian titles were published. The numbers are from 1 to 8 prefixed with an A.

Just been published book number 99 The Observer Books of Observer Books.

This book was released in March 99. It is published by :-

Peregrine Books. 27 Hunger Hills Avenue, Horsforth, Leeds, LS185JS, U.K.

This book was commissioned by The Observer's Books Collectors Society and only 2000 are being printed. So if you would like one get your order in quick. The cost is £11 sterling.