Natural History Books - Hovey - Celebrated American Caverns

Group comprising: Hovey, Horace Carter, Hovey's Handbook of the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky - A Practical Guide to the Regulation Routes, Morton, Kentucky, 1909; pictorial wraps; 64 pp., illustrated WITH Randolph, Helen F., Mammoth Cave and the Cave Region of Kentucky, pictorial wraps; 153 pp. + 6 pp. [index and advertisements], illustrated and folding map; both with detailed collector record cards. 276 grams total, 19 x 13.7 cm each

First fine condition; second with browned pages. Both scarce.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by two 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.

Carne, J. E. and Jones, L. J., The Limestone Deposits of New South Wales, Mineral Resources No.25, Department of Mines Geological Survey, Sydney, 1919; original quarter cloth with lettered papered boards; xii pp. + 411 pp., illustrated, with folding plates and map; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'V H Butterley / Beaumaris / Cullen Bullen' to inside front cover and 'R H Buckley' to title. 1.04 kg, 24.5 x 15.5 cm

Generally good condition; binding loose with some pages detached; folding map with repaired tear.

Ex libris V H Butterley and R H Buckley. Acquired Haymes & Sons, Australia, 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.

Casteret, Norbert Dans les Glaces Souterraines les Plus Élevées du Monde, Paris, 1953; pictorial wraps with later clear acetate sleeve; 94 pp., French text, illustrated; with detailed collector record card with pencilled French book dealer note to fep. 345 grams, 22.5 x 17.5 cm

Fine condition. Rare.

Acquired Libraire Ancienne, France, 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.