White, G. - The Natural History of Selborne - 1881

Originally published in 1776, and containing notes on the history, architecture, and geography of Selborne too. This edition, however, focuses on the natural history, from hogs to insects, from snakes to shrubs, and including a large section on the birds. Many of the fine illustrations depict birds. It does include a few poems on natural history too. The famous naturalist William Jardine was responsible for updating and correcting much information. Edward Jesse added a biography of the original author, the Reverend Gilbert White, and a subject index. The nice frontispiece depicts Selborne, a small village in rural Hampshire (south England, just inside South Downs National park). The attractive binding is still in a very good state, with only some minor rubbing to the edges, and a few spots. The paper covering the rear inner joint is split, but the joint self is holding. Both in the front and rear are publisher's catalogues. A small previous owner's stamp, of Edward Ross, Woodland View, Sowerby Bridge, is on the frontispiece blank verso (not shining through). The colouring is accurate, and bright.In all a very good copy of this wonderful and rare edition. Exceedingly rare in a hand-coloured state.

Exceedingly rare hand-coloured and bound in a nice, original blind tooled cloth with gilt title