Natural History Books - Speight - Craven and North-West Yorkshire Highlands

C(arr), J., Rambles About Ingleton in Caves by Rivers and on Mountains in the Spring of 1865, Edmondson, Lancaster, nd (preface dated 18 August 1865); lettered wraps; iv pp. + 36 pp.; with detailed collector card, with embossed 'Rallin Brow, Giggleswick' address stamp and inked E SIMPSON' stamp to title. 38 grams, 17.5 x 11 cm

Good condition; folds to some corners, cover soiled. Very rare.

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.

Martell, E A., Irelande et Cavernes Anglaises, Paris, 1897; original pictorial cloth (with wraps from paperback edition also bound in), aeg; 403 pp., illustrated, some folding; with detailed collector reference card. 720 grams, 23 x 15 cm

Near fine condition; slight spine damage and staining. Very rare.

Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, December 1984. 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.

Towler, George, Views of Clapham Cave, privately published (?), n.d.; hardback portfolio lettered to front board containing twelve large photographic sepia prints mounted on boards with script captions titled: Cave Mouth, Eldon Hall (with a suited gentleman standing), Shower Bath, The Great Pillar, Shower Bath (different view), Beehive, Fortifications, Eldon Hall (different view), Pillar Hall, Reflections, Inverted Forest and Stalactites and Stalagmites; with 'E Simpson' ink stamp to inside front board and a collector record card. 2.01 kg, 40 x 34 cm

Fine condition, prints slightly aged; portfolio lacings worn. Very rare, possibly unique.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson. 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.