Natural History Books - Various - Australia, Jenolan Caves Guides

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.

Casteret, Norbert, Dix Ans Sous Terre Campagnes d'un Explorateur Solitaire, LAP, Paris, 1933, pictorial paperback; 313 pp., French text; illustrated; with detailed collector card. 302 grams, 19 x 12 cm

Near fine condition; slight wear at spine.

Acquired Bouquinerie de la Reade, France, February 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.

Baring-Gould, S., Cliff Castles and Cave Dwellings of Europe, Seeley, London, 1911; library quarter bound with cloth boards; 24 pp. + 1 p. [advertisement], with 52 plates; with detailed collector record card and with Folkestone Library label and 'withdrawn' ink stamp to inside front cover 777 grams, 22 x 14.5 cm

Good condition; some minor foxing.

Ex Folkestone Library (withdrawn). Acquired Anne Oldham, Wales, 1985, Yorkshire, April 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.