Natural History Books - Various - Narracoorte Caves Guides

Mitchell, Maj. T. L., Three Expeditions into the Interior of Eastern Australia with Descriptions of the Recently Explored Region of Australia Felix and of the Present Colony of New South Wales, Boone, London, 1839, 2 volumes; rebacked half calf with cloth boards with original spines laid; vol.1: xxi pp. + 354 pp. (of 355), illustrated, coloured frontis (lacking folding map and 1 plate); vol.2: ix pp. + 415 pp., illustrated (some folding); with detailed collector record card and 'CITY of PRAHAN FREE LIBRARY' embossed stamps to front covers and inked stamps to eps, title and throughout. 1.63 kg total, 21.5 x 14.5 cm each

Generally good condition; with faults. Rare.

Ex libris City of Prahan Free Library. Acquired Grant's Bookshop, Australia, July 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.

Vaughan, H. M., An Australian Wander-Year, Secker, London, 1914; original lettered cloth; 316 pp., maps to eps, illustrated; with detailed collector record card 779 grams, 23 x 15.5 cm

Near fine condition.

Acquired Rainy Day Books, Australia, September 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.

Group comprising: Whitcombe, Frank, Gide to the Gippsland Lakes and Buchan Caves, Gunninghamme PA, nd; pictorial wraps; WITH Minister of Lands, Souvenir of Buchan Caves, np, nd; folded sheet of illustrations; WITH 18 Photographs of the Buchan Caves Victoria, np, nd; envelope with 18 small photographic prints; first with detailed collector record card. 263 grams total, 10.5 x 6 - 25.5 x 16 cm

Generally fine; some wear to folds of second. All scarce.

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.