Kunsky, Josef, Homes of Primeval Man - Wandering into the Caves of Czechoslovakia, Prague, 1954; original lettered cloth; English text, unpaginated, short text with many illustrations; with detailed collector record card with pencilled 'M H Howman' to fep and small ink 'George's / Park Street Bristol' stamp to inside front cover. 1.32 kg, 29 x 22 cmGood condition; spine sunned and binding slightly loose.

Ex libris M H Howman.
Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, February 1983.
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.

Balch, Herbert E(rnest), Wookey Hole Its Caves and Cave Dwellers, OUP, 1914; original quarter cloth with pictorial boards and dustwrapper; xiv pp. + 268 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 2.19 kg, 32.5 x 26.5 cmFine condition; dw sunned and torn.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, October 1983.
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, Potter, Sydney, 1886, 3rd edition; original blind stamped and lettered faux leather; 148 pp. + advertisements, illustrated, folding map; with two detailed collector record cards and ink manuscript 'NSW Railway Guide 1886' to title. 545 grams, 24.7 x 19 cmVery good condition; minor binding wear and browning to pages. Scarce.

The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex.
Thence by descent to family members.

Accompanied by hand-written record cards 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.

Garnett, J., Garnet's Itinerary with Illustrations and a Description of the Caves also the Scenery on the N W Railway from Skipton to Morecambe Bay, Garnet, 1852; original pictorial card with spine reinforced; 92 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to title and inked manuscript annotations to title reverse by Simpson. 92 grams, 18 x 11.5 cmGood condition; covers soiled and spine tape worn. 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.

Trickett, O., Guide to the Jenolan Caves New South Wales, nd (believed circa 1906), 2nd edition; 76 pp., coloured cave plan, illustrated; BOUND WITH Guide to the Wombeyan Caves New South Wales, Geological Survey of NSW, nd (believed 1906), 1st edition; 34 pp., coloured cave plan, illustrated; BOUND WITH Guide to Yarrangobilly Caves New South Wales, Geological Survey of NSW, nd (believed 1905), 1st edition; 28 pp., coloured cave plan, illustrated; together in original lettered cloth; with detailed collector record card and small printed 'BERKELOUW BOOKDEALERS SYDNEY' label to inside front cover. 605 grams, 25.5 x 19 cmGood condition; spine discoloured with small defects, light foxing to coloured plans.

Acquired Berkelouw of Bennima, Australia, May 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.

Casteret, Norbert and Gattet, Germain, Paysages Souterraines, Paris, 1943; pictorial wraps with dustwrapper and later clear acetate sleeve; 78 pp., French text, illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 400 grams, 25.5 x 19.7 cmGood condition; dw slightly rubbed, stitching slightly loose.

Acquired Libraire Xavier Dufay, France, May 2007.
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 authors, Excursions Arranged for Members of the British Association for Advancement of Science, Sydney, 20-26 August 1914; stapled lettered wraps; 78 pp., coloured folding map; with detailed collector record card. 154 grams, 18.5 x 12.2 cmNear fine; small staple rust spots to covers. Rare.

Acquired Cambria Books, Australia, 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.

Balch, H. E., The Caves of Mendip, Somerset Folk Series 26, Folk Press, London, 1926; pictorial wraps; 82 pp., illustrated (some folding); with detailed collector card. 173 grams, 18 x 12.5 cmFine condition; spine lightly sunned.

Acquired T R Shaw, 1967.
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.

Speight, H. (Johnnie Gray), The Craven and North-West Yorkshire Highlands, Stock, London, 1892; original pictorial cloth; 470 pp. +1 p. [advertisement], illustrated, some folding; with detailed collector record card and inked 'W Scott / Beansley' to fep and 'J H Robb / Beansley 1897 / WS' to title. 1 kg, 23.2 x 15.2 cmGood condition; minor wear to binding, hinges slightly weak.

Ex libris W Scott and J H Robb (by gift 1897).
Acquired Martin's Books, Wales.
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.

Hovey, Horace Carter, Mammoth Cave of Kentucky with an Account of Colossal Cavern, Morton, Louisvilled, 1912, revised edition; original lettered cloth; v pp. + 131 pp., illustrated, folding map frontis; with detailed collector record card. 440 grams, 21 x 14.5 cmGood condition; slightly loose with title part detached, binding lightly rubbed. Scarce.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales.
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.

Martell, E. A., Les Abimes les Eaux Souterraines les Cavernes les Sources la Spélaeologie, Paris 1894; original quarter calf with cloth boards; viii pp. + 580 pp., French text, illustrated, some folding plates and with frontis; with detailed collector record card. 2.75 kg, 31.3 x 23 cmFine condition; spine slightly sunned and minimal light browning to page edges. Rare and a lovely copy.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, December 2982.
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.

[anonymous], Horrock's Handy Guide to the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves of NSW, Sydney, nd (1898), 2nd edition; later plain wraps with inked title with original printed wraps bound in; 120 pp., folding map (torn); with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to front cover. 187 grams, 22 x 14 cmGood condition; map foxed and torn, wraps soiled, few page defects. 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.