Natural History Books - [Anonymous] - The Caves of the Earth

Matrell, E. A., Millau Capitale des Causses Canos et Cavernes, Millau, 1926; later quarter bound with marbled boards and original wrap front bound in; 512 pp., heavily illustrated; with a detailed collector record card. 655 grams, 20 x 14 cm

Fine condition; slight soiling to original wrapper.

Acquired Anne and Tony Oldham, Wales, April 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.

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 cm

Near 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.

A mixed group of books and pamphlets on the Jenolan caves of New South Wales, Australia including: Havard, W.L., The Romance of Jenolan Caves (1933); Dunlop, B.T., Jenolan Caves (1950); and five other items. 706 grams total, 18.7 x 11.7 - 32 x 25.5 cm



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

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.