Natural History Books - Martell - Irelande et Cavernes Anglaises

Mitchell, Maj. T. L., Three Expeditions into the Interior of Eastern Australia with Descriptions of the Recently Explored Region of Australia Felix and of the Present Colony of New South Wales, Boone, London, 1839, 2 volumes; rebacked half calf with cloth boards with original spines laid; vol.1: xxi pp. + 354 pp. (of 355), illustrated, coloured frontis (lacking folding map and 1 plate); vol.2: ix pp. + 415 pp., illustrated (some folding); with detailed collector record card and 'CITY of PRAHAN FREE LIBRARY' embossed stamps to front covers and inked stamps to eps, title and throughout. 1.63 kg total, 21.5 x 14.5 cm each

Generally good condition; with faults. Rare.

Ex libris City of Prahan Free Library. Acquired Grant's Bookshop, Australia, July 2006. 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.

H(utton), J., A Tour of the Caves in the Environs of Ingleborough and Settle in the West-Riding of Yorkshire, London, 1781, 2nd edition; 100 pp. BOUND WITH: Smith, Henry Ecroyd, The Limestone Caves of Craven and their Ancient Inhabitants, Liverpool, 1866; 34 pp., frontis and 1 plate (coloured); 19th century quarter calf with marbled boards and lettered spine; with detailed collector record card and manuscript inked 'this Book belongs to / John Matthews / Kendal / 1840 in four lines and a florid hand to first work and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamps to titles of both. 270 grams, 21.5 x 14.5 cm

Near fine condition; hinges a little worn. Both works rare.

Ex libris John Matthews (Kendal 1840) and Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired Miss C M Rawdin, 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.

(Anonymous), The Caves of the Earth, Religious Tract Society, nd (circa 1850s); original cloth; 192 pp.; with detailed collector record card. 138 grams, 14.5 x 9.5 cm

Near fine condition.

Acquired Beazle's Books, Bristol, 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.