Natural History Books - Martell - L'Evolution Souterraine

Wilson, G. H., Cave Hunting Holidays in Peakland, Edmunds, Chesterfield, nd (circa 1935); pictorial wraps; 93 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector card and inked presentation inscription to 'W A Cooper' on title. 133 grams, 18 x 12.5 cm

Fine condition.

Ex libris W A Cooper (gift from author 1936). Acquired M B Books, Bath, 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.

Trickett, O., Guide to the Jenolan Caves, Sydney, 1905, 1915 and 1921, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions; cloth or papered boards, 4th edition with loose brown paper protective cover; all illustrated; 2nd and 3rd editions with detailed collector record cards. 1 kg total, 24.7 x 18 - 25.5 x 19 cm

Good to very good condition; few minor binding faults. All scarce.

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

Hughes, Prof. T. McKenny and Thomas, Rev D. R., Exploration of Cave Ha near Giggleswick Settle Yorkshire, and On the Occurrence of Felstone Implements of the Moustier Type in Pontwnewydd Cave, Anthropological Institute, London, 1874; later red cloth with original wraps bound in; 10 pp., illustrated, with blank pages at back; with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to front wrap. 178 grams, 22 x 14.2 cm

Fine condition. Rare.

Offprint from Journal of the Anthropological Institute. Ex libris 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 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.