Natural History Books - Barrett - Australian Caves, Cliffs and Waterfalls

Group comprising: Dunlop, B. T., Jenolan Caves, Sydney, 1950 (2st edition) and 1964 (5th edition); pictorial wraps; WITH anonymous, Jenolan Caves, Gregory, Sydney, nd; pictorial wraps, stapled; WITH Smith, Jim, From Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, Katoomba, 1984; pictorial card; WITH Harvard, W. L., The Lucas Cave Jenolan Caves, Government Tourist Bureau, nd; pictorial wraps, stapled; all illustrated; last with detailed collector record card. 817 grams total, 18.5 x 12.3 - 24 x 18 cm

Generally good to fine condition. Some scarce.

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 cm

Near 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.

Roberts, James, History of Wetton, Thor's Cave and Ecton Mines in the Neighbourhood of Dovedale, Manifold Valley and Beresford Dale, Osbourne, Ashbourne, 1900; original cloth lettered; 184 pp., with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'Multo in Parvo / A small token to / Mr Edwd Bowerman / from the Author / James Roberts / Holcombe Rogus / Ascension Day 1911' presentation inscription in seven lines to inside front cover. 262 grams, 18.6 x 13 cm

Near fine condition; some browning to title and last page. Scarce.

Ex libris Edward Bowerman (gift of author, 1911). Acquired Heartland Old Books, Devon, October 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.