Vintage Observer's Books Horses and Ponies, Show Jumping, Pets and Music Set in Red, Grey, Yellow and Brown

Two books for the pony mad, one for the family pet and one for anyone who hums along to the radio: this set of four vintage Observer's Pocket Books would make a very happy present for an animal loving child, or a grown up who used to be one. Scarlet, silver grey, lemon yellow and saddle brown spines stack into a cheerful block, each with its Warne series number still visible at the foot.

Horses and Ponies is one of the series' longest running titles, covering breeds from the heavy shires to the native ponies of moor and fell. Show Jumping and Eventing arrived in 1976, when the sport was a regular fixture of Saturday afternoon television, and guides readers through the courses, fences and famous competitions. Pets belongs to the later run of numbered titles and offers sensible advice on keeping everything from rabbits and guinea pigs to budgerigars, while Music, by Freda Dinn, introduces instruments, composers and musical forms in true pocket guide fashion.

Each book measures roughly 14.5 x 9.5cm (5.75 x 3.75 inches). In a child's bedroom they look lovely beside a rosette or a framed pony print, and on a cottage dresser they sit happily among a row of horse brasses. For a rider, a new pet owner or a music lover, they make a thoughtful little gift that will be read as well as displayed.

All four are hardbacks in their original boards and come without dust jackets. They show some rubbing to the corners and edges and light fading to the spines, with clean, readable pages inside. Please take a look at the photos for the full condition.