The Fossils of the South Downs; or, illustrations of the Geology of Sussex

Description:

First edition. The plates were engraved by Mrs. Mantell from drawings by the author. Gideon Algernon Mantell (1790–1852) was an English physician and geologist. This publication represents his first major work and presents his early research into the fossil remains of the South Downs in southern England.

Organized by rock type and geological strata, Mantell offers detailed descriptions of fossilized plants, fish, molluscs, and the teeth of what he interpreted as a gigantic reptile ‘an animal of the lizard tribe, of enormous magnitude.’ This volume is regarded as the first published work to describe a collection of fossils that would later be recognized as dinosaur remains. Mantell’s subsequent investigations into these findings helped lay the foundations for the scientific study of dinosaurs.

Mary Ann Mantell (1795-1869) both shared in and contributed to her husband’s research, as acknowledged in this work (p. 55). She was also responsible for engraving the plates included in the volume.

Condition

4to, cont. half morrocco, raised bands and gilt rules to spine, rubbed and scuffed with some wear to edges of boards. Bound without half-title. title page browned. Foxing to some plates, mostly marginal, an old inoffensive water stain to bottom edge of last 11 plates. Some minor worming to several plates, mostly marginal and never affecting the printed images, neat old paper repairs to three plates. Small ink spot to edge of map and facing page.

Provenance: Bookplate of George Titus Barham (1836-1913). Barham was founder of the Express County Milk Company (later Express Dairies), and had an estate in Wadhurst, Sussex. Also with one small ink stamp of the Rothamstead Experimental Station to endpaper.