Insect Natural History

Publication: London, Collins, 1947 Formatting: 8vo, pp. xviii, 317. Condition Report: Very Good. The book maintains its structural integrity with a firm, tight binding and bright green cloth boards exhibiting minimal shelf-wear. The gilt tooling to the spine and front board remains unoxidised and sharp. Internally, the text block is clean and lacks pervasive foxing, with only very faint, scattered spotting to the page edges and preliminary leaves consistent with the paper stock of this period. The original dust jacket remains fully intact and unclipped, retaining the '16s. net' price on the front flap; it presents well but shows minor signs of careful handling, including light rubbing, minor creasing, and small closed tears to the spine extremities and corners. Overall, a highly presentable and structurally sound copy. Catalogue Note: First edition of the eighth volume in the esteemed New Naturalist series. This copy retains its original, unclipped dust jacket showcasing the iconic cover design by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. Profusely illustrated throughout, the volume boasts 99 colour photographs of living insects and 7 colour photographs of preserved specimens by S. Beaufoy, E. J. Hudson and others. It is further supported by 104 black-and-white photographs, 8 distribution maps, and 40 diagrams. The New Naturalist series, initiated to foster a deeper understanding of Britain's natural history, is highly collectable. Early volumes retaining their original jackets in this condition are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts and institutional collectors alike on the open market. In Insect Natural History, distinguished entomologist A.D. Imms offers an accessible yet scientifically rigorous exploration of the insect world within the British Isles. Moving beyond dry taxonomy, Imms delves into the fascinating lives, structures, and habits of insects, from their complex sensory organs and mechanics of flight to their intricate reproductive cycles and ecological roles. An essential cornerstone of the New Naturalist library, this volume bridges the gap between academic entomology and the passionate lay naturalist, providing an enduringly relevant window into the miniature ecosystems that surround us.…