Natural History Books - Siffre - Dans les Abimes de la Terre

Hurley, Cpt Frank, Gems of Jenolan, Government Tourist Board, Sydney, nd (believed circa 1920); original lettered wraps; 40 pp, mostly illustrations; with detailed collector record card. 128 grams, 24.5 x 15.2 cm

Almost fine condition; covers very lightly soiled. Rare.

Acquired Rare Book Traders, Australia, March 2011. 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.

Mitchell, Albert, Yorkshire Caves and Potholes 1 - North Ribblesdale, Skipton, 1948; xv pp. + 81 pp. + 18 pp. [advertisements], illustrated; WITH Yorkshire Caves and Potholes 2 - Under Ingleborough, Skipton, 1948; xi pp. + 140 pp., illustrated; both in lettered card covers with dustwrappers; with detailed collector record cards. 350 grams total, 18.2 x 12.5 cm each

Fine condition. Scarce.

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

Casteret, Norbert Dans les Glaces Souterraines les Plus Élevées du Monde, Paris, 1953; pictorial wraps with later clear acetate sleeve; 94 pp., French text, illustrated; with detailed collector record card with pencilled French book dealer note to fep. 345 grams, 22.5 x 17.5 cm

Fine condition. Rare.

Acquired Libraire Ancienne, France, 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.