Natural History Books - Hurley - Gems of Jenolan

Shaw, T. R., Cave Illustrations before 1900 A Catalogue of Non-Photographic Illustrations of Caves, BSA Monograph, Settle, nd (but believed 1967); pictorial wrappers with cloth spine; 184 pp.; with detailed collector record card and Keighley Public Library bookplate to front inside cover and ink library stamps to fep and reverse of title with associated small label and ink stamp to front cover. 495 grams, 26 x 20.8 cm

Fine condition. A rare and useful reference.

Ex libris Keighley Public Library (1968). Acquired Bishopstone Books, September 2007. 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.

Clarke, Rev W. B., Remarks on the Sedimentary Formations of New South Wales, Richards, Sydney, 1878, 4th edition; lettered wraps; 165 pp., coloured folding map frontis, charts (some folding); with detailed collector record card and brief pencilled dealer not to title. 247 grams, 22 x 13.5 cm

Good condition; spine faded and chipped; hinges slightly weak. Rare.

Acquired Camberwell Books & Collectibles, Australia, June 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.

Martell, E. A., Nouveau Traite des Eaux Souterraines, Paris, 1921; modern half bound with cloth boards by T Taylor, Old Schoolhouse Bindery, West Keel, December 2006; 838 pp. + 2 pp. [advertisements], illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 1.48 kg, 26 x 17.5 cm

Fine condition; some minor paper faults. Rare.

Acquired Anne and Tony Oldham, Wales, March 1983. 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.