Natural History Books - Chevalier - Subterranean Climbers

Mawe, J., Familiar Lessons on Mineralogy and Geology, London, 1821, 3rd edition; original papered boards; viii pp. + 105 pp. + 1 p. [advertisement], illustrated )coloured); with detailed collector record card and inked 'E SIMPSON' stamp to title. 213 grams, 19 x 12 cm

Near fine condition; spine hinges worn and some small marks to binding.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired by gift of Miss C M Rawdin, 1982. 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.

Garnett, J., Garnet's Itinerary with Illustrations and a Description of the Caves also the Scenery on the N W Railway from Skipton to Morecambe Bay, Garnet, 1852; original pictorial card with spine reinforced; 92 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to title and inked manuscript annotations to title reverse by Simpson. 92 grams, 18 x 11.5 cm

Good condition; covers soiled and spine tape worn. 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.

Buckland, Rev. William, Reliquae Diluvianae or Observations on the Organic Remains Contained in Caves, Fissures and Diluvial Gravel and on Other Geological Phenomena, John Murray, London, 1824, 2nd edition; later half calf with marbled boards by Roberts of Chester, page edges uncut; pp.vii + pp.303 with 27 fine plates (some folding, some coloured) and index (lacking pp.299-302 of index); with collector record card providing full details; with inked inscription to fep for D Hay Fleming (dated 20 January 1921) and bookplate of Hay Fleming Reference Library, St Andrews (dated 1932) with later inked 'Withdrawn' stamp over. 1.53 kg, 29 x 23.5 cm

Generally fine condition; light foxing in places. Rare and a classic work.

Ex libris D Hay Fleming (1921) and Hay Fleming Reference Library (withdrawn). Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, January 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.