A Flora of the English Lake District, J. G. Baker — 1st Edition

£82.50

A Flora of the English Lake District, J. G. Baker — 1st Edition

Name: A Flora of the English Lake District, J. G. Baker — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4773
Price: 82.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, George Bell & Sons, 1885

Formatting: 8vo, pp. viii, 262.

Condition Report: Near Fine. A remarkably well-preserved example of this late-nineteenth-century botanical study. The publisher's original cloth binding remains remarkably clean and robust; while the cloth presents in a uniform taupe-beige tone (perhaps a secondary binding or evenly sunned from the original green), it entirely lacks the heavy shelf-wear, rubbing, or edge-bumping typically found on volumes of this vintage. The spine is firm and square, with the gilt titling remaining bright and unoxidised. Internally, the binding is tight and perfectly square, avoiding the inner hinge weaknesses that frequently plague this edition. The pale yellow-coated endpapers are intact. The text block is exceptionally crisp and bright, with only faint, negligible signs of handling and no distracting foxing. The text-block edges are lightly and evenly toned. A superior, highly collectible copy.

Catalogue Note: First Edition. This volume is a detailed and authoritative survey of the flora of the English Lake District, compiled by the distinguished botanist John Gilbert Baker (F.R.S., F.L.S.). The book features several notable nineteenth-century ownership signatures in ink on the front endpapers and title page, including those of Edwin Birkett, Charles Birkett, Alexander Walker, and J. L. Walker of the Friends' School, Saffron Walden.

This Quaker provenance is particularly fitting, as J. G. Baker himself was a prominent Quaker and was educated at similar institutions. Unillustrated, as issued, the work relies on Baker's meticulous cataloguing and topographical observations. While functional or rebound copies surface occasionally, finding a first edition in such a tight, unblemished original binding is scarce on the open market today.

A cornerstone text for regional British botany, J. G. Baker’s A Flora of the English Lake District offers an exhaustive and meticulous record of the plant life native to one of England's most celebrated landscapes. Drawing upon decades of observation and the notes of his botanical predecessors, Baker catalogues the flowering plants, ferns, and their habitats across the mountains, valleys, and waters of the region. Beyond a mere checklist, the work provides historical context and altitudinal range data, making it an invaluable nineteenth-century scientific snapshot for botanists, ecologists, and those captivated by the natural history of the Lakes.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: J. G. Baker

Book Publisher: George Bell & Sons

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Natural History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 270

Book Publication Year: 1885

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.