Natural History Books - Victoria Cave - Reports and Pamphlets

Alleweireldt, J., Description Pittoresque de la Grotte de Han-sur-Lesse Brussels, 1829; original lettered boards; 44 pp. + 27 pl., illustrated; with detailed collector record cards and old pencilled note to title. 1 kg, 36.7 x 27.3 cm

Near fine condition; soiling to spine and binding, light occasional foxing. 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 two 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.

Verschuur, G., At the Antipodes Travels in Australia New Zealand Fiji Islands the New Hebrides New Caledonia and South America 1888-1889, Sampson, Low Marston, London, 1891; original pictorial cloth; ix pp. + 333 pp., coloured folding map frontis and illustrated; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'Louisa ? / 5th March 1900' inscription to title and pencilled dealer notes to fep. 5.7 kg total, 19.5 x 14 cm

Near fine condition; spine lightly sunned and small tear at map fold. Scarce.

Acquired J & S L Bonham, London, November 2008. 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.

LLoyd, J. and King, Edward, An Account of Elden Hole in Derbyshire with some Observations upon it, extract from Philosophical Transactions, vol.LXI, 1771; disbound; pp.250-265 (p.265 in photocopy), 2 folding plates; with detailed collector record card. 52 grams, 22 x 17 cm

Fine condition. Rare.

Acquired Booksets, Shropshire, March 2007. 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.