The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne & A Garden Kalendar; Edited by R. Bowdler Sharpe, L.L.D., with an introduction to the Garden Kalendar by the very Reverend S. Reynolds Hole, Dean of Rochester, & numerous illustrations by J.G. Keulemans, Herbert Railton, and Edmond J. Sullivan. In two volumes.
London: S.T. Freemantle, 1900. Quarto : Vol. I; pp. [xxiv] 427; 20 full page illustrations; 37 in text illustrations : Vol. II; pp. [xvi] [444]; 49 full page illustrations; 32 in text illustrations : t.e.g., other edges untrimmed : green cloth with crest gilt blocked to top boards, spines lettered in gilt.
Heads of the spines are somewhat frayed and small (1cm) tear to head of Vol.I; tails pressed; some spotting to first and last leaves; frontis to Vol. II detached but present; tissue guards are toned. Item #14744
"Gilbert White's Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789) holds a unique position in English literature as the solitary classic of natural history. It is not easy to give, in a few words, a reason for its remarkable success. It is, in fact, not so much a logically arranged and systematic book as an invaluable record of the life work of a simple and refined man who succeeded in picturing himself as well as what he saw. The reader is carried along by his interest in the results of far-sighted observation; but, more than this, the reader imbibes the spirit of the writer which pervades the whole book and endears it to like-minded naturalists as a valued companion."
(The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes. Vol. 10. The Age of Johnson. Cambridge University Press.).
Price: $250.00