An Introduction to the Study of Conchology: including Observations on the Linnaean Genera and on the arrangement of M Lamarckk; a Glossary, and a Table of English Names.

A good copy of the 1st edition of this extremely rare work, with 11 plates, 9 of which are hand coloured. Brookes set out to write for those who wanted to understand Conchology, but who might not have a grounding in natural history. He took care to use english rather than latin names where possible, and to give readers a clear framework for their study. This copy is in a later speckled calf binding with gilt lining and blind stamped decoration to the board edges. The spine has raised bands with gilt lining and gilt stamped decoration. There is a leather title. It is in near fine condition. Page edges are marbled. There is an inked owners name to a preliminary - J Reid Moir. 3rd November 1919 - possibly the Reid Moir who authored 'Antiquity of Man in East Anglia'. The title page has browning and some spotting and an ink mark. The text pages vary between very clean and bright (the majority) to occasional foxing and spotting, to quite heavy foxing in the margins (a section p 71- circa p 90 - affecting margin but not text itself). The plate paper is slightly brown toned but the plates are generally clean and the hand colouring is beautifully done. Each plate has a protective guard.…