The Philosophy of Natural History
[DAYES, Edward] SMELLIE, William
From Hordern House Rare Books, Potts Point, NSW, Australia
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
AbeBooks Seller since January 17, 2013
From Hordern House Rare Books, Potts Point, NSW, Australia
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
AbeBooks Seller since January 17, 2013
About this Item
Duodecimo, frontispiece and engraved title-page; contemporary roan with gilt to spine and boards. An attractive fore-edge painting based upon the famous Sydney Cove view engraved by Edward Dayes. This image, transmitted through various forms (from oil on canvas to engraving to fore-edge painting) is believed to be the work of convict artist Thomas Watling. Engravings by Dayes after originals by Watling feature in the First Fleet accounts of Collins and Hunter, and are now iconic Australiana images. The present for-edge rendition is skilfully executed, painted under the gilding and only to be revealed only when the pages are gently fanned. An old clipping from a booksellers catalogue advertising this book (circa 1930) notes the Sydney view, and the pastedown bears the bookplate of New Zealand book collector and art critic E. C. Simpson. William Smellie (1740-1795) was the editor of the first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, eminnent natural historian and co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This popular and posthumous edition is edited by one of the founders of the Boston Society of Natural History, John Ware. Smellie was considered a precursor to Darwin and the work notably contains a section on marsupials and the platypus. . Binding lightly rubbed, very good overall. Seller Inventory # 3911442
Bibliographic Details
Title: The Philosophy of Natural History
Publisher: Scott, Webster & Geary, London
Publication Date: 1837
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition
Store Description
We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web
sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as
Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund
within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.
Payment Methods
accepted by seller