Collier's World Atlas and Gazetteer Value Guide

The Collier's World Atlas and Gazetteer from the late 1930s is a prized collectible for its detailed American cartography and historical snapshot of a world on the brink of change. Published by P.F. Collier & Son, these hardcover volumes represent the gold standard of mid-20th-century household reference sets.

What Is Collier's World Atlas and Gazetteer Worth?

The typical price range for Collier's World Atlas and Gazetteer is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition of the cloth cover, specifically looking for fraying at the spine or sun-fading.
• Completeness of the map plates, as missing or torn pages significantly reduce the $40-$60 market value.
• Presence of original marginalia or historical inserts which can either detract from or add to the nostalgic appeal.
• The specific edition year, with certain late-1930s versions being more desirable for their depiction of pre-WWII borders.

How to Identify Collier's World Atlas and Gazetteer?

• Verify the P.F. Collier & Son imprint on the title page and the distinctive cloth-bound hardcover binding.
• Check the copyright date specifically for the 1935-1940 window to ensure the era of origin.
• Confirm the inclusion of the comprehensive gazetteer section following the color map plates.
• Look for the characteristic United States geographical focus typical of this American-published series.

History of Collier's World Atlas and Gazetteer

P.F. Collier & Son was a prominent American publishing company known for its subscription-based book sets and reference works. Their World Atlas and Gazetteer series provided detailed maps and geographical information, serving as an important resource for households and educational institutions during the mid-20th century. These atlases are now collected for their historical cartography and nostalgic value.