Natural History Books - Bourgin - Dauphine Souterrain

Webb, James, Guide to the City of Sydney and Pleasure Resorts of New South Wales, Sydney, nd (believed circa 1905); pictorial wraps; 18 pp. [advertisements, title and contents] + 277 pp. + 3 pp. [advertisements], illustrated, 4 folding maps; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript previous owner name to title. 168 grams, 15 x 11.5 cm

Good condition; wraps nearly detached, paper slightly browned. Rare.

Acquired Antiquarat Christian Strobel, Germany, May 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.

Thornycroft, L. B., The Story of Cheddar its Gorge Caves and Ancient History, Barnicotts, Taunton, 1949, 2st edition; original pictorial wraps; 150 pp., illustrated (some folding); with detailed collector record card. 188 grams, 18.2 x 12.5 cm

Near fine condition; small tears at spine edges.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, May 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.

Carr, J(ohn), A Guide to the Caves Mountains River Scenery and Other Remarkable Natural Curiosities in the Neighbourhood of Ingleton and Clapham, Milner, 3rd edition, 1876; original grey lettered wraps; 52 pp. + 4 pp. [advertisements]; with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to title. 53 grams, 18.1 x 12.3 cm

Good condition; wraps soiled and some damage. 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.