The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, in the County of Southampton.

Beautiful publisher's binding. A beautiful late 19th century copy of one of the great classics of nature writing, originally published in 1789. The text used here is the version edited by James Edmund Harting, the prominent Victorian ornithologist and writer, and it is illustrated with numerous wood engravings by the master Thomas Bewick.

Gilbert White (1720-1793) was a parson who, between 1751 and his death in 1793, kept a detailed journal of his horticultural activities and observations of the natural world. He was also part of a wide circle of British naturalists and scientists and portions of his correspondence, together with material from his journal and investigations into local antiquities, comprises the text of this, his magnum opus.

It is White's focus 'on the everyday, on what is accessible to the curious observer in any age, that is a principal reason for the book's enduring popularity' (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography).

Late 19th century reissue; 8vo; engravings throughout the text, contents toned with occasional light spotting, some light marks left from four pressed plant specimens loosely inserted; original green cloth blocked in blind with animal designs on the spine and upper board, brown coated endpapers, all edges gilt, spine rolled, hinges cracked, cloth a little rubbed and worn at the extremities but overall fresh, a very good copy; 568pp.