Natural History Books - Various - Jenolan Caves Guides

Phillips, John, The Rivers, Mountains and Sea-Coast of Yorkshire, Murray, London, 1853; modern half calf with marbled boards and lettered spine by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, London (ink stamp to fep); xv pp. + 302 pp. + 16 pp. [advertisements], 35 plates; with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to title. 860 grams, 22.5 x 15.2 cm

Fine condition; slight foxing to eps. 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.

Mawe, J., Familiar Lessons on Mineralogy and Geology, London, 1821, 3rd edition; original papered boards; viii pp. + 105 pp. + 1 p. [advertisement], illustrated )coloured); with detailed collector record card and inked 'E SIMPSON' stamp to title. 213 grams, 19 x 12 cm

Near fine condition; spine hinges worn and some small marks to binding.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired by gift of Miss C M Rawdin, 1982. 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.

Woods, Rev Julian Edmund, Geological Observations in South Australia Principally in the District South-East of Adelaide, Longman, London, 1862; original lettered cloth; xviii pp. + 404 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'John H Hill / from his friend / N Batt(?) / August 1860' inscription to half title. 740 grams, 23 x 15.2 cm

Good condition; binding slightly loose. Rare.

Ex libris John H Hill. Acquired Adelaide Booksellers, Australia, 2006. 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.