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White, Gilbert.
The Writings of Gilbert White of Selborne.
Publisher: Nonesuch Press, London;
Date of Publication: 1938
Stock Code: 10616
LIMITED EDITION of 850 copies only of which this is No. 28. Large octavos, 2 vols., pp. xxx, [2], 311, [1]; viii, 356, [2]. With tissue-guarded wood-engraved illustrated title-pages, wood-engraved head and tailpieces by Eric Ravilious. Folding map to rear of vol. two. Bound by Leighton-Straker Bookbinding Company in lilac/grey cloth over boards with gilt centrepiece ornaments to upper boards; charming gilt flora and fauna ornaments to spines with gilt spine titles; top edge gilt. Housed in the original marbled paper covered slipcase. Cloth ever so slightly spine-sunned. Slipcase bumped and a little rubbed with short tear to top rear edge. Contents clean and bright with bold engravings, and free from inscriptions, marks or annotations. A Near Fine set in a Very Good slipcase. Arguably the best twentieth century edition of Gilbert White’s works, selected and edited with an introduction by H. J. Massingham and magnificently illustrated by Eric Ravilous in his inimitable vernacular style. White was the first naturalist to study the migration of birds and to attempt an ornithological census; he was highly influential in later studies of the natural world, particularly with regard to record keeping and fieldwork. His magnum opus “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne” is widely regarded as both the foundation of modern natural history and as a literary classic. Heavyweight, so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £1250.00