MARINE MOLLUSCS OF VICTORIA (First edition - UK issue - uncommon)

A UK printing of the Australian first edition, distributed by the Cambridge University Press (as noted on the printer's page) and with the dustwrapper priced in sterling. With 500 beautiful detailed illustrations and diagrams throughout by G. J. Browning. With a Foreword by Charles W. Brazenor - Director of the National Museum of Victoria, and a Preface by the authors. ***Near fine in navy-blue cloth-covered boards with gilt titles to the spine. The boards are clean and unmarked. No bumps or creases. Page block edges slightly marked and foxed, mainly to the top edge. No reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Internally also near fine with no previous ownership inscriptions - just an erased pencil price on the front free endpaper. Endpapers slightly foxed and browned. Interior pages clean and bright. No creases or tears. ***In a near fine pink dustwrapper with titles printed in black. The dustwrapper has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of 63s. Dustwrapper complete, with just minimal edge rubbing. No creases, chips or tears. Gentle fading to the pink colour on the spine. Dustwrapper bright. ***254mm x 160mm. 475 pages including a detailed Bibliography, Glossary and Index at the back of the book. ***'The simple collecting of sea-shells is a fascinating pastime that gives untold pleasure to thousands of people. Of these, many progress to deeper study and try to learn all they can about the varied kinds, how to recognize them, their scientific as well as their common names, and their relationship each to the other. For both the beginner and the specialist this handbook will be of great value. It is generally simple and non-technical enough for the newcomer, but it contains much information that the specialist will find worth while. To assist the layman, a comprehensive glossary explains the technical terms used in the scientific descriptions. Detailed descriptions and approximately 500 illustrations cover all of the common species of Victorian shells, together with their range and distribution. Their points of difference are stated simply, and any feature of special interest is discussed, so identification is made easy. A systematic list of the remaining species is given with their authors and recorded Victorian localities. There is a definition of each family and of the principle genera including the author of the genus and type species. (Quote taken from the front flap of the dustwrapper) ***A first printing of the true first edition, published in Melbourne, Australia, but issued in the UK under the auspices of Cambridge University Press. An uncommon book to find in the UK. Detailed and beautifully illustrated. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.…