Since the foundation of the magazine in 1888, the National Geographic Magazine has published articles on almost every nation and location on earth, and in some cases since the start of the space age, beyond earth. 

The distinctive yellow spines of the modern editions  as well as the yellow edged rectangular cover design is an instantly recognizable image, and is used by the TV channel as its own logo. 

Initially, National Geographics were published in small quantities, and aimed at a fairly academic audience. Photography, initially black and white, was introduced in the 1910's, and colour photography in the 1920's . 

Initially, the covers only listed the contents, but in 1959, photography was added to the covers, and later became a standard feature, as did adding the topics to the spine each month. Map supplements also became a feature. The magazine was always published on durable glossy high quality paper, using the best global photographers who were tasked with capturing the best images. 

The magazine is as important now as a repository of historical images and articles as any other - Ireland and aspects of Ireland featured many times in the history of the magazine, as did issues which were to take on a greater importance and awareness - environmental degradation, climate change, global population concerns, urban change, exploration . All human life is here. 

Dónal has listed a large number of sets , mostly complete sets of each issue by year, all in very good condition. 

They are listed with sets  - at http://thebookshop.ie/sets-collections/national-g... or search under National Geographic.