Natural History Books - Hurley - Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves

Eastmead, Rev W., Historia Rievallensis Containing the History of Kirkby Moorside .... to which is prefixed a Dissertation on the Animal Remains and other Curious Phenomena in the Recently Discovered Cave at Kirkdale, Peat, Thirsk, 1824; original half bound with marbled boards and spine label; xv pp. + 486 pp. + 2 pp. [advertisements], illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 710 grams, 22.5 x 14.5 cm

Fine condition; pages lightly browned and occasional light foxing. Scarce.

Acquired T R Shaw, Greenwich, 1966. The property of Mr and Mrs P. R. 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.

Hurtley, Thomas, A Concise Account of Some Natural Curiosities in the Environs of Malham in Craven Yorkshire, in papered boards (later?), pages untrimmed; 68 pp. + 199 pp. [appendices I-III], three folding plates (1 repaired); with detailed collector record cards and engraved bookplate for 'J Barber' and 'Boddy's Bookshop' label to inside front cover with pencilled 'Logographic Press - printed words / instead of individual letters. Vide "Yorkshire Library" / Crude method of including illustrations' to reverse of half title. 482 grams, 23 x 15 cm

Near fine condition; occasional slight foxing. Rare.

Ex libris J Barber. Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, 1985. 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.

Various authors, Excursions Arranged for Members of the British Association for Advancement of Science, Sydney, 20-26 August 1914; stapled lettered wraps; 78 pp., coloured folding map; with detailed collector record card. 154 grams, 18.5 x 12.2 cm

Near fine; small staple rust spots to covers. Rare.

Acquired Cambria Books, Australia, April 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.