Natural History Books - Martell - Causses et Gorges du Tarn

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.

[Anonymous], Practical Pictorial Guide to Settle and Giggleswick, Johnson, Blackburn, nd (believed 1888); later blue cloth with original lettered wraps bound in; 4 pp. [advertisements] + 20 pp. + 6 pp. [advertisements], illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 109 grams, 21.5 x 14 cm

Near fine condition; wraps darkened. 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.

Casteret, Norbert, Ce Que J'ai vu Sous Terre, Paris, 1949; original pictorial wraps with later clear acetate sleeve; 148 pp., French text, illustrated. with detailed collector record card and small ink manuscript 'le 25-4-50 / Marc Gauvity' inscription to half title and pencilled reference number to title. 507 grams, 23 x 17 cm

Good condition; spine slightly torn, stitching weak in places.

Ex libris Marc Gauvity. Acquired Libraire Guinard, France, July 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.