As I recall, a gift subscription from my parents provided our
young family with years of National
Geographic magazines and the intended education. They complemented our children's favorite nature shows on PBS. (Nature and "... Street" – key elements.) We were also fortunate to receive other
valuable magazines. Contrary to some
members’ opinions, over the years, I haven’t saved all of them. Some were donated, including a few I
generously gave to a good cause last month.
Much to my surprise yesterday, after donating my heavy metal desk to Deseret
Industries, I discovered “100 Years …” on sale for five cents each! On top of the overflow cart, probably a new
addition, the coffee-table size naturally caught my eye. Still in the giving mode, my first thought
was, “What a wonderful gift this book would make” (followed by) “after I read
it and look at the awesome pictures.”
Although
we have no coffee table, no way could I pass up this $5 beauty with its dust jacket in pristine condition. A bargain
at twice the price. More enjoyment than
most $6 new movies with stadium seating (discounted for seniors.)
In
the Introduction of The National
Geographic Society / 100 Years of Adventure and Discovery ©1987, C.D.B. Bryan
begins the journey, “Writing this book could not have been anything but fun. To
have the opportunity to explore nearly one hundred years of the National Geographic Society’s
history is like becoming a child again – a child who, confined indoors on a
languorous, rainy, endless summer afternoon, discovers in the attic of a rented
beach cottage the elaborate illustrated family albums of a somewhat eccentric,
always fascinating, and truly remarkable clan.”
Founded
in 1888, “the Society has been offering ‘a window on the world’ to millions of
its members.” Explorer Robert E. Peary’s
1909 account of reaching the North Pole; Hiram Bingham's 1912 discovery at
Machu Picchu; “Richard E. Byrd's 1926 and 1930 articles on being the first to
fly over the North and South Poles …” A
two-page aerial view of Mount St. Helens a year after she blew her top; (volcano erupted
May 18, 1980.) I say, let not this treasure become a permanent resident, but a welcome guest in our frontier cottage.
I
wonder if men and women will press onward to explore more frontiers? ...
In 2115, who would pay 50 cents each (or 5 cents each at thrift) for the next “100 Years”, coffee-table size in all its splendor.
In 2115, who would pay 50 cents each (or 5 cents each at thrift) for the next “100 Years”, coffee-table size in all its splendor.
A favorite 1980s coffee table for sale at polyvore.com and 1stdibs.com; (thanks for the image.)
