Natural History Books - Casteret - The Darkness Under the Earth

Cook, Samuel, The Jenolan Caves an Excursion in Australian Wonderland, Eyre & Spottiswoode, London, 1889; original lettered cloth; 191 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector records card and ink manuscript 'Miss May Johnson / from JWF Xmas 1915' inscription to fep. 1.06 kg, 25.5 x 19.5 cm

Near fine condition; spine lightly sunned.

Acquired Trevor R Shaw, Greenwich, 1966. 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 cm

Good 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.

Dymock, W., Dymock's Illustrated Guide to Sydney, 1901, 3rd edition (10,000); pictorial wraps; 16 pp. [advertisements, title and contents], + 210 pp., illustrated, folding maps; with detailed collector record card. 263 grams, 18 x 12.2 cm

Good condition; covers worn and soiled, spine slightly torn. Rare.

Acquired Haynes & Sons, Australia, November 2006. 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.