Natural History

The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, under the Command of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., during the years 1832 to 1836 – Edited, introductions and Notes by Charles Darwin

Originally published by Smith and Elder in parts from 1839-1843. Considered a superb example of scientific publishing.

This is the three-volume facsimile published by Nova Pacifica, Wellington, New Zealand in 1980. Til then the only reproduction and even now the standout in terms of quality.

Limited to 750 copies. Three volumes quarto, 34 cm by 26 cm. Original quarter blue leather binding with salmon buckram covered boards. Separate contrasting title labels and gilt to spine, marbled end papers. Various pagination, complete, illustrated in colour and black and white including tipped in plates. A very good set. Very heavy may require a postage supplement especially Overseas.

Volume one comprises Fossil Mammalia by Richard Owen [part 1] and Mammalia by George R Waterhouse [part 2]. Volume two comprises Birds by John Gould [part 3] and Anatomical Appendix by T.C. Eyton. Volume three contains Fish by Leonard Jenyns [part 4] and Reptiles by Thomas Bell [part 5]

Who can afford the original? This super facsimile set the best alternative.

$790.00

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Fangs of the Sea – Norman Caldwell [With Help from Norman Ellison] – First Edition 1936

An extremely rare first edition of Shark Hunter Norman Caldwell’s classic book.

Written in conjunction with Norman Ellison. Published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney in 1936.

Thick octavo, 282 pages, illustrated throughout with images from original photographs, diagrams of shark catching techniques, end paper maps. Missing the original dust jacket but rare as is in original green cloth covered binding. Some foxing as usual given nature of paper.

Caldwell could see money in catching sharks – his hunting ground was in Queensland between Repulse Bay and Gloucester Island taking in the Whitsundays.

Obviously if you don’t have the appetite for shark hunting this is not the book for you. Caldwell also went after and caught “big Fish” other than sharks and Rays and massive Grouper Fish were within his aim.

The book has taken on almost legendary status and sought after by those with a bit of Hemingway and Lee Marvin in them.

Caldwell’s Fangs one for the game fisherman

$190.00

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Antique Microscope Slide – Exhibition Standard – Arranged Diatoms with Spicules of Syncyota Holothuriale [Sea Cucumber] – W. A Firth – c1890.

A circle arrangement of numerous diatom types along with spicules from the cucumber – these spicules forming part of the sea cucumber’s skeletal structure.

William Allott Firth [1853-1923] was a professional mounter specialising is diatoms. Born in Barnsley, England he moved as a child with his family to Belfast where he remained for the rest of his life. His slides are regarded as of the highest quality, and this is an unusual example. His name label is supported by his characteristic handwriting which never varied.

The slide is difficult to precisely date partly because of the consistency of Firth’s handwriting noted above. The labelling arrangement is identical with Bracegirdle’s example Plat 17/K but no date is given. Bracegirdle does show a slide dated 1877 but we think this one is later – probably circa 1890. The pricing noted is a later reseller.

Good condition given age albeit crack across cover slip not affecting the view.

Complex arrangement of diatom types and spicules by expert Firth.

$120.00

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Romantic Java – As it Was and Is – H.S. Banner FRGS – First Edition 1927

First edition of a super book dedicated to Java. The longer title assists.

“A description of the diversified peoples, the departed glories of and strange customs of a little known island, remarkable both for its arts, decorative and dramatic, and for its natural beauty and the richness of its resources.

Thick royal octavo, 282 pages. Printed on that tick spongy paper typical of Seeley of London, the publisher, so some foxing near the edges and page edges – not bad. Many period photographs relevant to the extensive travels. Bound in the crimson cloth covered boards with gilt decoration to front gilt title to spine. Has its rare dust jacket albeit chipped – done a very good job of preserving the boards which are super clean and crisp.

Travels take in Jocjakata, Surakarta, a view of Krakatau, Bhima, Bonan, Gambang Gangsa, Volcano Bromo in “full blast’, strange collection of “heads’ the Temple at Borobudhur etc etc

Well informed and written Banner was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London.

$160.00

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Falco Pygargus the Hen-Harrier – Fine Copperplate engraving by Susemihl – Published c1800

Original and striking hand-coloured copper engraving of a young female Hen Harrier by Johann Conrad Susemihl (1767-1847).
Published in Darmmstadt as part of a progressive work “Teutsche Ornithologie oder Naturgeschichte … between 1797 and 1810.

The execution of this massive work was a family affair with Johann being assisted by his children Eduard and Emilie and his brother Johann Theodor. The superior quality and scale of these engravings makes them highly sought after.

Paper size 50cm by 34cm … the engraved impression is 34cm by 25cm …

Price $180.00 unframed … enquire about framing options if you wish … click on me to see me all!

The beautiful dignified Harrier by Susemihl

$180.00

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Red Kangaroo – Rene Primevere Lesson – Published Paris in 1838

Original hand coloured copper engraving of the Red Kangaroo produced for Rene Primevere Lesson (1794-1849) for his extension of the great natural history work originally produced by Count Buffon. They were published in Paris in 1838. Lesson participated as doctor and naturalist in the Duperry voyage round the world on board La Coquille (1822-1825).

This is engraved using the painstaking stipple technique with each hair etched one after the other … look around the outside of the kangaroo image.

The Red Kangaroo is Australia’s largest kangaroo, largest mammal and the world’s largest living marsupial. It inhabits the whole of the central area of Australia avoiding only the fertile regions around the coast.

Price $160.00 unframed – if you would like it framed – enquire

The big Red Kangaroo in a fairly contemplative pose.

$160.00

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The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, under the Command of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., during the years 1832 to 1836 – Edited, introductions and Notes by Charles Darwin

Fangs of the Sea – Norman Caldwell [With Help from Norman Ellison] – First Edition 1936

Antique Microscope Slide – Exhibition Standard – Arranged Diatoms with Spicules of Syncyota Holothuriale [Sea Cucumber] – W. A Firth – c1890.

Romantic Java – As it Was and Is – H.S. Banner FRGS – First Edition 1927

Falco Pygargus the Hen-Harrier – Fine Copperplate engraving by Susemihl – Published c1800

Red Kangaroo – Rene Primevere Lesson – Published Paris in 1838

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