Natural History Books - Martell - Nouveau Traites des Eaux Souterraines

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.

Roberts, James, History of Wetton, Thor's Cave and Ecton Mines in the Neighbourhood of Dovedale, Manifold Valley and Beresford Dale, Osbourne, Ashbourne, 1900; original cloth lettered; 184 pp., with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'Multo in Parvo / A small token to / Mr Edwd Bowerman / from the Author / James Roberts / Holcombe Rogus / Ascension Day 1911' presentation inscription in seven lines to inside front cover. 262 grams, 18.6 x 13 cm

Near fine condition; some browning to title and last page. Scarce.

Ex libris Edward Bowerman (gift of author, 1911). Acquired Heartland Old Books, Devon, October 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.

Casteret, Norbert, E-A Martel Explorateur du Monde Souterrain, Gallimard, 1943, 1st edition; pictorial paperback, pages uncut at top; 234 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 272 grams, 21 x 14.2 cm

Fair condition; spine torn, covers and paper browned and fragile; typical for the era. Rare.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales. 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.