Natural History Books - Casteret - Dans les Glaces Souterraines les Plus Elevees du Monde

Department of Mines and Agriculture, Annual Report of the Department Mines and Agriculture New South Wales, Sydney, 1891, 1900, 1917 and 1918 (4 volumes); original boards or wrappers; 322 pp., illustrated (some folding), 217 pp., illustrated (some folding), 192 pp., illustrated (some folding) and 176 pp., illustrated (some folding); with detailed collector record card for each volume. 3.97 kg total, 32.5 x 21 - 33.5 x 21 cm

Generally good condition; last with front cover loose and back cover lacking. All rare.

Acquired various booksellers, 2005-2011. 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.

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 cm

Near 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.

Wilson, G. H., Cave Hunting Holidays in Peakland, Edmunds, Chesterfield, nd (circa 1935); pictorial wraps; 93 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector card and inked presentation inscription to 'W A Cooper' on title. 133 grams, 18 x 12.5 cm

Fine condition.

Ex libris W A Cooper (gift from author 1936). Acquired M B Books, Bath, July 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.