Introduction to Meteorology Textbook Value Guide

This 1941 first edition textbook by Sverre Petterssen represents a pivotal moment in atmospheric science, serving as a primary training manual for military meteorologists during World War II. As Petterssen later became a key figure in the D-Day weather forecasts, this specific volume is highly sought after by collectors of scientific history and military memorabilia.

What affects the value of Introduction to Meteorology Textbook?

• Condition of the gold leaf lettering and the integrity of the cloth binding significantly impact the $35-$40 price point.
• Presence of original owner signatures, especially from WWII military weather officers, can add historical provenance.
• The scarcity of the dust jacket, which is often missing from scientific texts of this era, can increase the item's value.
• Internal condition, including the absence of foxing or heavy student annotations, preserves the collectible quality.

How to Identify Introduction to Meteorology Textbook?

• Verify the 1941 publication date on the title page to ensure it is the influential wartime edition.
• Check for the original blue or green book cloth binding featuring gold leaf lettering on the spine.
• Confirm the author is Sverre Petterssen and the publisher is McGraw-Hill Book Company.
• Look for specific diagrams of atmospheric phenomena and weather maps characteristic of mid-century meteorological study.

History of Introduction to Meteorology Textbook

Sverre Petterssen was a prominent Norwegian meteorologist and a pioneer in the field of weather forecasting. This text was a foundational resource during the mid-20th century, particularly influential during World War II for military meteorological training. Petterssen later played a crucial role in the D-Day weather forecasts, making his early academic works highly respected by collectors of scientific history.