A Monograph of the British Spongiadae (Vols. I & II), J. S. Bowerbank — 1st Ed

£85.00

A Monograph of the British Spongiadae (Vols. I & II), J. S. Bowerbank — 1st Ed

Name: A Monograph of the British Spongiadae (Vols. I & II), J. S. Bowerbank — 1st Ed
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5901
Price: 85.00 GBP
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Publication: London, Robert Hardwicke for the Ray Society, 1864

Formatting: 8vo, 2 vols., pp. xx, 290, 37 plates; xx, 388.

Condition Report: Very Good. The two volumes are firmly bound in an attractive half-calf over brown cloth boards, exhibiting only minor shelf-wear and light rubbing to the extremities and hinges. The leather remains remarkably supple, and the gilt ruling and lettering across the five raised bands are bright and largely unoxidised, presenting very well on the shelf. The top edges are gilt, whilst the others remain plain, showing only mild, standard age-toning. Internally, the bindings are tight and secure throughout. There is some scattered light foxing and spotting, primarily confined to the preliminary leaves and margins, leaving the core text blocks bright and highly legible.

Catalogue Note: This is the first edition of the initial two volumes of this landmark marine biological study. Bowerbank, a foundational figure in British palaeontology and marine biology, dedicated much of his life to the microscopic study of sponges, establishing a taxonomic framework that influenced the field for decades.

The set features an attractive half-calf binding, elevated by its well-preserved spine tooling. While a complete set consists of four volumes (the latter two published later), these initial two volumes contain the crucial foundations of his research, including the extensive structural anatomy in Volume I.

First editions of this work in handsome contemporary bindings are uncommon on the open market, particularly in such solid, well-preserved condition.

A cornerstone of Victorian marine biology, A Monograph of the British Spongiadae represents James Scott Bowerbank's pioneering effort to classify and anatomically describe British sponges. Through meticulous microscopic observation, Bowerbank illuminated the complex skeletal structures of these organisms, bringing a hidden underwater world into sharp scientific focus. This work remains a classic of 19th-century natural history and a testament to the rigorous, observational science fostered by the Ray Society.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: J. S. Bowerbank

Book Publisher: Robert Hardwicke

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Natural History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 678

Book Publication Year: 1864

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Half Calf

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: The Ray Society

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

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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.