The Seasons & the Fisherman, F. Fraser Darling — 1942 Reprint
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Publication: Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1942
Formatting: Small 4to, pp. [viii], 70.
Condition Report: Very Good. The original quarter cloth and illustrated paper boards remain structurally sound and tight, though the extremities exhibit mild rubbing and corner wear commensurate with age. The spine cloth is secure and unfaded, displaying only light bumping to the head and tail. Internally, the text block is largely bright, although moderate foxing and toning are present across the preliminary and terminal leaves; a contemporary gift inscription in fountain pen, dated Christmas 1944, is neatly presented on the front free endpaper. The hinges are uncracked, and the striking Tunnicliffe illustrations remain crisp and vibrant throughout, making this a handsome and sturdy survivor of wartime publishing.
Catalogue Note: This is an early reprint of F. Fraser Darling’s celebrated children’s natural history book, issued shortly after the first edition. It forms part of the much-loved ‘Seasons’ series, which sought to educate and inspire young minds about the British landscape and its traditional industries during the turbulent years of the Second World War.
The volume is greatly enhanced by the masterful artwork of Charles Frederick (C. F.) Tunnicliffe, featuring fifty of his distinctive, highly detailed drawings. Tunnicliffe’s wood-engraving style and intimate knowledge of British wildlife perfectly complement Darling’s text, elevating the book into a classic of mid-century illustration.
Bearing a neat, contemporary gift inscription dated 'Christmas 1944', this copy carries a charming wartime provenance. Unjacketed early printings of this title in their original quarter-bound illustrated boards remain accessible on the open market, though they are increasingly appreciated for their evocative production and outstanding illustrative work.
In The Seasons & the Fisherman, renowned ecologist F. Fraser Darling offers a poetic yet highly informative exploration of Britain's waters and the men who work them. Blending natural history with the practicalities of the fishing trade, the book guides young readers through the mysteries of the primeval oceans, tidal shifts, and the intricate food chains beneath the waves. Richly brought to life by C. F. Tunnicliffe’s evocative illustrations, it remains a timeless celebration of maritime heritage and the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: F. Fraser Darling
Book Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Children's
Genre: Natural History
Book edition:
Signed: No
Book Pages: 70
Book Publication Year: 1942
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Quarter Cloth
Illustrator: C. F. Tunnicliffe
Book Series: The Seasons
Country/region of manufacture: Cambridge, 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. |
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