The Romance of Natural History. [First Series] [and] Second Series

Description:

These volumes were among the most successful of Gosse's popular books, and continued to be reprinted after his death. First Series: 1st edition; Second Series: second issue (the first issue was published in 1861). Two wood engravings in Vol. I are by Gosse, the rest are by Joseph Wolf, some of the illustrations in Vol. II are signed 'C.G.' and 'J.W' (Joseph Wolf); Gosse states in the Preface to Vol. I that the illustrations for that volume were engraved by Whymper.

Freeman & Wertheimer, 109 &137.

Condition

2 vols, 8vo, orig. green cloth, blind-stamped ormanmental and plain borders to both boards, gilt vignettes of gorilla to front board of Vol. I, and of a snake charmer to Vol. II. Vol. I: cloth rubbed/minor wear; Vol. II: rubbed, some wear to edges/corners, minor wear to top of joints; ink markings/spots to boards. Both vols with minor bumps to corners. A good set.