Anthony J Drexel Biddle — The Madeira Islands

London , Hurst & Blackett, Limited, 1900. First edition. Cloth. A scarce first UK edition of this work on the Madeira islands. Collated: Complete, with all plates and maps. Plate opposite page 267 of volume I bound back to front and upside down. This comprehensive work covers the history and topography of Madeira, as well as descriptions of geology, geography, flora, fauna, native customs and information for tourists. Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle was an eccentric millionaire who worked in periodicals and published several books on a variety of subjects. In cloth bindings. Externally, smart with light bumping to extremities and heavy fading to spine and head of the boards. Ink inscription to front pastedown of volume I. Front hinge to volume I slightly strained but firm. Internally, binding strained in places due to style of binding, with one plate loose to page 22 of volume II. Pages generally bright and generally clean with scattered light spotting, heavier to title pages. Good . Ill.: None. Good .