The Natural History and Antiquities of Selbourne

London: J. and A. Arch, 1887. Leather. Very Good. 9" by 5.5". Not stated. A popular work by Gilbert White, in which he discusses the natural history and antiquities of Selbourne. A new edition of Gilbert White's best known work on the natural history and antiquities of the Hampshire village of Selbourne. Following a biographical sketch of the pioneering English naturalist, ecologist, and ornithologist, the main body of the volume is presented as a compilation of 44 letters nominally addressed to the leading zoologist of the day Thomas Pennant, and then 66 letters to the barrister Daines Barrington. In these letters, the majority of which were never posted but composed primarily for the book, White details the natural history of the area around his home town. The present edition also includes a posthumously compiled Naturalist's Calendar, which contains 500 observations regarding the seasonal changes in Selbourne. Prior owner's bookplate to the front pastedown. The volume is from the library of Frederic Arkwright. Arkwright has also inscribed his name to the verso of the front endpaper, dated 1852. In a full calf binding. Externally, generally smart. Lightly rubbed to the boards and the spine, with a scuff in the leather to the front an the rear board. Lightly rubbed to the joints. With two tiny chips in the calf to the head of the spine. Internally, firmly bound. Aside from some very light spotting to the endpapers, pages are bright and clean throughout. Very Good