C J Cornish — Wild England of Today

London, Seeley and Co, 1895. First edition. Leather. A finely bound, charmingly illustrated work on England's wildlife, by accomplished naturalist Charles John Cornish. The first edition of this work.In a very smart Bumpus binding, with their binder's stamp to the verso of front endpaper. Bookplate to the front pastedown of one Henry Vaughan Hart Davis. His inscription to the recto of front endpaper also, dated 1897. This work explores a range of places in England's countryside, from the Southern Cliffs to the Yorkshire Fen. To these chapters Cornish investigates how the wild character and the wildlife have been preserved.  There are chapters on forests, harbours, swanneries, ponds, lakes and much more. Illustrated, with a frontispiece and fifteen plates. Collated, complete. Uncommon for this work to be in such a wonderful condition, and in such a smart binding. In a green half calf binding, with paper covered boards. Externally, very smart. Fading to the spine and to the head of rear board, as is common with this colour. A few light marks to boards. Bookplate to the front pastedown, Henry V Hart-Davis. Prior owner's inscription to the recto of front endpaper, dated 1897. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright. Scattered spots to the first and last few pages. Otherwise, just the odd spot. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Lancelot Speed. Very Good Indeed .