Natural History Books - Hutton - Tour to the Caves -bound with Smith - Limestone Caves of Craven

Packard, A. S. and Putnam, F. W., The Mammoth Cave and its Inhabitants, Salem, USA, 1872; original pictorial cloth; 62 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'Mr A Boucart / with the kind regards/ of A S Packard' presentation inscription to title and old mark to inside front cover where small label removed. 287 grams, 23.5 x 15 cm

Fine condition. Rare.

Ex libris A Boucart and Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired Miss C M Rawdin. 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.

Trickett, O., Guide to the Jenolan Caves NSW, 1905-1922, 2nd, 3rd (front board detached) and 4th (2 copies) editions; lettered cloth or papered boards; with detailed collector record cards. 1.38 kg total, 25 x 18 - 25.7 x 19 cm

Generally very good condition; 3rd edition with front board detached. Scarce.

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.

Group comprising: various postcards, ephemera, leaflets and brief guides relating to the Jenolan Caves; WITH Jenolan Caves Menu, 1933; folded card with typescript menu list loosely inserted, the card bearing many signatures of attendees; with detailed collector record card; WITH glass coloured photographic slide. 368 grams total, 10 x 6.5 - 27 x 20.5 cm

Generally fine condition.

The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members.

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.