Casteret, Norbert, Dix Ans Sous Terre Campagnes d'un Explorateur Solitaire, LAP, Paris, 1933, pictorial paperback; 313 pp., French text; illustrated; with detailed collector card. 302 grams, 19 x 12 cmNear fine condition; slight wear at spine.

Acquired Bouquinerie de la Reade, France, February 2005.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Browne, Rev G. F., Ice-Caves of France and Switzerland a Narrative of Subterranean Exploration, Longman, London, 1865; original cloth with lettered spine; viii pp. + 1 p. + 315 pp., illustrated; with a detailed collector record card and pencilled note 'Bishop of Bristol 1897-1914 (died June 1 / 1930 aged 96)' to title. 580 grams, 21.7 x 15 cmNear fine condition; hinges slightly weak. Scarce.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson.
Acquired Miss C M Rawdin, 1982.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Bourgain, André, Dauphiné Souterrain, Paris, 1942; original pictorial wraps with later clear acetate sleeve; 81 pp., illustrated; with Le Vegors Hydrologique, folded map loosely inserted; with detailed collector record card. 449 grams, 25.5 x 20 cmFine condition. Rare.

Acquired Walter-Saxena Rare Books.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Baring-Gould, S., Cliff Castles and Cave Dwellings of Europe, Seeley, London, 1911; library quarter bound with cloth boards; 24 pp. + 1 p. [advertisement], with 52 plates; with detailed collector record card and with Folkestone Library label and 'withdrawn' ink stamp to inside front cover 777 grams, 22 x 14.5 cmGood condition; some minor foxing.

Ex Folkestone Library (withdrawn).
Acquired Anne Oldham, Wales, 1985, Yorkshire, April 2005.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Coghlan, T. A., Picturesque New South Wales and Illustrated Guide for the Settler and Tourist, Sydney, 1901; original papered hardback; iv pp. + 123 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 468 grams, 25.5 x 19.5 cmGood condition; binding soiled, spine rubbed and eps browned.

Acquired Leigh Gallery Books, Essex, September 2009.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Chevalier, Pierre, Subterranean Climbers Twelve Years in the World's Deepest Chasm, Faber & Faber, London, 1951; original cloth; 223 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card with inked owner name and inscription to inside front cover and fep. 485 grams, 22.5 x 15 cmNear fine condition.

Acquired by gift of Joan, Sydney, Australia, 1962.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Vanderhecht, G., Guide-Album de Voyageur a la Grotte du Han sur Lesse, Brussels, 1868; pictorial wraps with acetate cover; 50 pp. + erratum, text in French, illustrated and with folding map (detached); with detailed collector record card, pencilled inscription to half title. 140 grams, 19 x 15.5 cmGood condition; front cover and half title near detached, map loose. Rare.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, 1984.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Various contributors, The Railway Guide of New South Wales, Richards, Sydney, 1879 (1st edition?); original blind stamped and lettered cloth; 122 pp., illustrated, coloured frontis, folding map; with pencilled 'With the Govs good wishes / N S W' to fep. 463 grams, 25.3 x 19 cmFine condition; near pristine. Very rare.

Acquired Cornstalk Bookshop, Australia, March 2005.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Verschuur, G., At the Antipodes Travels in Australia New Zealand Fiji Islands the New Hebrides New Caledonia and South America 1888-1889, Sampson, Low Marston, London, 1891; original pictorial cloth; ix pp. + 333 pp., coloured folding map frontis and illustrated; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'Louisa ? / 5th March 1900' inscription to title and pencilled dealer notes to fep. 5.7 kg total, 19.5 x 14 cmNear fine condition; spine lightly sunned and small tear at map fold. Scarce.

Acquired J & S L Bonham, London, November 2008.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Davis, Henry Harrison, An Excursion from Lancaster up the Vale of Lune and from Kirby Lonsdale to the Caves of Yorkshire, Simpkin Marshall, 1849; lettered red cloth; 44 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector card, ink stamp 'E SIMPSON' to title and remnant of old bookplate to inside cover. 87 grams, 17.5 x 10.7 cmFine condition, near pristine; slight soiling to fep. Very rare.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson.
Acquired Miss C M Rawdin, 1982.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

C(arr), J., Rambles About Ingleton in Caves by Rivers and on Mountains in the Spring of 1865, Edmondson, Lancaster, nd (preface dated 18 August 1865); lettered wraps; iv pp. + 36 pp.; with detailed collector card, with embossed 'Rallin Brow, Giggleswick' address stamp and inked E SIMPSON' stamp to title. 38 grams, 17.5 x 11 cmGood condition; folds to some corners, cover soiled. Very rare.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson.
Acquired Miss C M Rawdin, 1982.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Meade, L. T., Cave Perilous, Religious Tract Society, nd; original pictorial cloth; 255 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and pencilled 'C Elliott' to inside front cover. 690 grams, 21.7 x 16 cmNear fine condition; hinges slightly worn.

Ex libris C Elliott.
Acquired Angel's, Derbyshire, July 2005.
The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.