Natural History Books - Thornycroft - The Story of Cheddar

Group comprising: Trickett, O., Guide to Yarrangobilly Vaves, Geological Survey, NSW, nd, 2 copies: 1st(?) and 2nd editions; pictorial wraps; illustrated; WITH Brotherus, Dr V. F. and Watts, Rev W. Walter, The Mosses of Yarrangobilly Caves District NSW, Linnean Society NSW, vol.xxxvii, pt.2, 1912 (offprint with presentation inscription); lettered wraps (detached); WITH Kerry's Australian Postcards, Series 102, Yarrangobilly Caves NSW, printed Germany, nd; printed envelope with 12 monochrome pictorial postcards; WITH Jennings, J. N. and Anderson, N., Water Tracing at Yarrangobilly, Canberra Speleological Society, 23 May 1966; 2 page typescript; the offprint with detailed collector record card. 377 grams total, 16 x 12.5 - 25 x 18 cm

Generally good to fine condition. All scarce.

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

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.

Gray, Thomas (editor), The Yorkshire Ramblers' Club Journal, Leeds and London, 1908; half leather and cloth by Whitley & Booth, Halifax; 352 pp. (the parts paginated continuously); illustrated; with detailed collector record card and small printed 'Whitley & Booth' label to inside front cover. 1.12 kg, 22 x 15 cm

Fine condition; spine label coming loose. Rare.

Acquired Trevor Shaw, 1966. 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.

Packard, A. S. and Putnam, F. W., The Mammoth Cave and its Inhabitants, Salem, USA, 1872; original pictorial cloth; 62 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'Mr A Boucart / with the kind regards/ of A S Packard' presentation inscription to title and old mark to inside front cover where small label removed. 287 grams, 23.5 x 15 cm

Fine condition. Rare.

Ex libris A Boucart and 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 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.