The Spiders & Allied Orders of the British Isles, Theodore H. Savory — 1st Ed

The Spiders & Allied Orders of the British Isles, Theodore H. Savory — 1st Ed

£64.99
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The Spiders & Allied Orders of the British Isles, Theodore H. Savory — 1st Ed

The Spiders & Allied Orders of the British Isles, Theodore H. Savory — 1st Ed

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£64.99

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Publication: London, Frederick Warne & Co., Ltd., 1935

Formatting: Small 8vo, pp. [xvi], 176.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The publisher’s original terracotta cloth binding remains in outstanding, rigid condition, entirely free from the typical shelf-wear or sunning associated with this series. The gilt tooling to the spine and the striking golden spider motif on the upper board remain exceptionally bright and completely unoxidised. The corners are perfectly sharp and the hinges are tight, yielding a firm, square text block. Internally, the pages are crisp and largely pristine, with only faint, inconsequential spotting restricted to the preliminary leaves and text block edges, typical of the paper stock used during this period. It is accompanied by its original dust wrapper, which is equally remarkable in its preservation; it exhibits only a trivial hint of toning to the spine and negligible edge-wear, free from any significant chipping or tears, and is now protected in a removable archival sleeve.

This is a superb true first edition of Theodore H. Savory’s classic arachnological field guide, published as part of the esteemed Wayside and Woodland Series. Conceived to offer detailed, accessible natural history to both the amateur and the serious entomologist, the series is renowned for its enduring charm and practical format. This specific volume is profusely illustrated, boasting 63 exquisite colour figures by Florence M. Brummitt alongside 130 drawings and photographs.

Finding early impressions of the Wayside and Woodland guides in such a superlative state is increasingly uncommon. As these volumes were intentionally designed for practical use in the field, they frequently suffered from heavy wear, exposure to the elements, and the subsequent loss of their fragile dust wrappers. The survival of this 1935 true first edition in a crisp, highly presentable jacket elevates it from a mere reference copy to a highly desirable collector’s piece.

A cornerstone of British arachnology, The Spiders & Allied Orders of the British Isles offers an exhaustive and captivating look into the diverse world of eight-legged fauna. Theodore H. Savory meticulously details every family of British spider, alongside harvestmen, false scorpions, and common mites, blending rigorous scientific observation with an engaging, accessible prose style. Beautifully enriched by Florence M. Brummitt’s vivid colour plates, this guide serves as an invaluable window into the microscopic ecosystems of the British countryside, capturing the imagination of naturalists and collectors alike.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Theodore H. Savory

Book Publisher: Frederick Warne & Co., Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Natural History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 192

Book Publication Year: 1935

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Florence M. Brummitt

Book Series: The Wayside and Woodland Series

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.

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