British Thrushes, Eric Simms — 1st Edition
In stock
Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Publication: London, Collins, 1978
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 304.
Condition Report: Near Fine. The original green cloth binding remains exceptionally sharp and rigid, with the gilt tooling to the spine retaining its brightness and presenting entirely unoxidised. The text block is firm, sitting squarely within its casing without any leaning or looseness, and the leaves are crisp and entirely free from foxing, damp-staining, or internal blemishes, reflecting highly careful previous ownership. The original dust jacket is remarkably vibrant, with Robert Gillmor’s striking cover illustration retaining its full depth of colour without the heavy sunning often seen on the spines of this series; it exhibits only the most trivial edge-wear and retains a highly pleasing, complete presentation on the shelf.
Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition of the sixty-third volume in the celebrated New Naturalist series, published in 1978. The volume is profusely illustrated throughout with both black-and-white plates and line drawings, and features the iconic dust jacket design by the renowned wildlife artist Robert Gillmor, which perfectly encapsulates the aesthetic standard of the series.
While copies of British Thrushes are frequently encountered on the secondary market, finding a true first printing that retains such a bright, complete, and un-faded dust jacket is increasingly uncommon, making this a highly desirable acquisition for collectors seeking to upgrade their New Naturalist library.
Eric Simms’ British Thrushes remains a cornerstone text in the study of ornithology, offering a comprehensive and deeply engaging exploration of one of Britain’s most beloved bird families. Merging rigorous field observation with accessible prose, the work covers the life cycles, habitats, and behaviours of species ranging from the familiar Blackbird to the elusive Ring Ouzel. Enhanced by detailed illustrations and photographic plates, this volume stands as an indispensable resource for both the dedicated naturalist and the enthusiastic birdwatcher.
Book Condition: Near Fine
Book Authors: Eric Simms
Book Publisher: Collins
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Natural History
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 304
Book Publication Year: 1978
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Robert Gillmor
Book Series: The New Naturalist
Country/region of manufacture: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
Get in touch
You may also like
Join the Broadhurst Archive
Be the first to hear about rare new arrivals, signed editions, and literary events. A century of stories delivered straight to your inbox.