The Observer’s Pocket Series

The Observer’s Books series (or Pocket Series), published by Frederick Warne & Co., first began over 80 years ago. The first title, British Birds, was released in 1937, followed later that same year by Wild Flowers.

During the Second World War, production was severely limited due to shortages of both materials and labour. However, by 1941, six titles had been published: British Birds, Wild Flowers, Butterflies, Trees, Wild Animals, and Freshwater Fishes.

In total, 97 titles were produced, each numbered on the spine, making them highly collectible. The final book in the series, Opera, was published in 1982, marking the end of this popular series.

The Enduring Appeal of Observer’s Books

These beautifully crafted, pocket-sized books remain highly collectible today, loved for their charming covers, delicate illustrations, and elegant prose.

Early editions featured coloured linen boards, while later versions were produced with textured boards in a variety of colours. The Pocket Series originally came with paper dust jackets that had a distinctive wavy edge until 1969. However, because these jackets were prone to tearing and staining, a glossy coating was introduced in 1970. By the late 1970s, covers were fully laminated, leading to the loss of the coloured boards and spines that defined earlier editions.

For collectors, first editions in pristine condition are particularly valuable. A mint-condition first edition of British Birds, complete with its dust jacket, can fetch hundreds of pounds, while a first edition of Wild Flowers is valued at over £200. Many enthusiasts seek to build complete sets of Observer’s Books, whether by collecting every title, first editions, or multiple dust jacket variations of specific books.

What to Look for When Collecting Vintage Observer’s Books

If you’re looking to start or expand your Observer’s Books collection, charity shops, auctions, and vintage fairs are great places to begin your search. When selecting books, pay close attention to the condition of the spine, boards, and dust jackets, as well-preserved copies are more desirable to collectors.

Mint-condition first editions of early titles are particularly valuable, while first editions of later releases from the late 1970s also make excellent additions to a collection.

To explore the Observer’s Books currently available in my Etsy shop, please click HERE (by clicking this link my Etsy shop will open in a new tab). If you would like to see a list of all the Observer’s Books titles in the series, please click HERE.