Natural History Books - Shikama - Japanese Speleological Titles

Browne, Rev G. F., Ice-Caves of France and Switzerland a Narrative of Subterranean Exploration, Longman, London, 1865; original cloth with lettered spine; viii pp. + 1 p. + 315 pp., illustrated; with a detailed collector record card and pencilled note 'Bishop of Bristol 1897-1914 (died June 1 / 1930 aged 96)' to title. 580 grams, 21.7 x 15 cm

Near fine condition; hinges slightly weak. Scarce.

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.

Buckland, Rev. William, Reliquae Diluvianae or Observations on the Organic Remains Contained in Caves, Fissures and Diluvial Gravel and on Other Geological Phenomena, John Murray, London, 1823, 1st edition; modern half calf with marbled boards, page edges uncut, vii pp.+ 303 pp. with 27 fine plates (some folding, some coloured) and index; with 8-page list of John Murray publications dated 1823 bound in at back; with collector record card providing full details and with inked inscription to fep for Nicholas Reckert (dated 26/8/1975) as 'Bought (disbound) with the library of Sir Marcus Worsley'. 1.4 kg, 29.5 x 23.5 cm

Generally fine; title soiled. Rare and a classic work.

Ex libris Sir Marcus Worsley and Nicholas Reckert (1975). Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, February 1986. 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.