Tales from Nature's Wonderlands (association copy)

NY: Scribner's, 1924. First edition. Hardcover. Very good. An important association copy, inscribed in the year of publication on the front free endpaper: "To a gallant and Forceful Defender of wildlife, Mrs. Charles C. Marshall, a reproach to the Lazy, an Inspiration to the Pure in Heart, and an Example to All, With respectful salaams of the author, W.T. Hornaday, November 17, 1924." Hornaday is well-recognized as a pivotal early champion of wildlife conservation as the first director of the Bronx Zoo and president of the American Bison Society, dedicated to protecting bison in the West. Mrs. Charles Cyrus Marshall (we can't easily find her first name) was an important ally of his and a leader among women in wildlife conservation, serving as the chairman of the conservation committee of the New York City Federation of Women's Clubs. Among other activities, she petitioned for a New York state bird and lead a campaign to educate women against the use of exotic plumes in fashion, toward the protection of waterfowl. Hornaday wrote an article in People's Home Journal in 1924 (the year of this inscription) about the role of women in the conversation movement in which he specifically praised Mrs. Marshall's efforts, along with a few other women. He finished that piece, "I begin to believe that after the best of the sportsmen have said their last word, neither game nor sport will be saved unless this work is helped along by the women of America." Apparently she was encouraged, as she later spoke out for park preservation, visiting Yellowstone and reporting on its wonders. In a 1929 article entitled "Shall Our National Parks be Preserved?" she wrote, "Women of America, shall we not unite to oppose encroachments, to demand our rights and to insist on the preservation of our heritage from the hand of the spoiler?" (For more, see the articles "The Nation's Women Speak Out in Support of Wildlife Conservation" and "Mrs. Charles Cyrus Marshall: Trailblazing Conservationist" on the blog of the Wildlife Conservation Society Archives.) This volume relays "tales" about wildlife from the past (extinct species like mammoth) as well as present wildlife from around the world, ranging from the deep sea to the South Pole to Asia and Africa. A large octavo in red cloth with gilt lettering and the image of a mountain goat at center; sporadic black and white illustrations and photographs in the interior. A very good copy with bumping and softening to all corners, some light soiling in places, and a crease down the spine. Pages lightly toned, but clean and crisp. Lacking the dustjacket, but a great association that speaks to the accelerating role of women in the environmental movment, and a book that is uncommon or scarce signed, with no other copies available as of this writing.