West Lancashire Coal Field — 1st Edition

£125.00

West Lancashire Coal Field — 1st Edition

Name: West Lancashire Coal Field — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5446
Price: 125.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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West Lancashire Coal Field: Sections of Shafts Sunk in the Middle Coal Measures of Prescot, St. Helens, Wigan and Burnley, C.E. De Rance & A. Strahan — First Edition

Publication: London, Geological Survey of England and Wales, [c. 1880]

Formatting: 8vo, folding dissected lithographic chart mounted on linen.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original marbled boards display moderate exterior rubbing, typical edge-wear, and minor bumping to the corners, yet they remain fundamentally sound and cleanly preserve the distinct handwritten ink title to the upper board. Internally, the folding dissected chart, securely mounted to a robust linen backing, is in remarkable order. The linen shows no signs of splitting, fraying, or structural weakening along the numerous fold lines, retaining a tight and fluid mechanism when opened and closed. The printed chart itself is bright and highly legible, exhibiting only a few scattered, faint handling smudges and mild toning consistent with nineteenth-century official government publications, none of which obscure the intricate geological data. The pastedowns remain secure, holding this delicate scientific record with excellent integrity.

Catalogue Note: This is an exceptionally scarce original printing of the Geological Survey's Vertical Sections pertaining to the West Lancashire Coal Field, drawn to a detailed scale of 100 feet to one inch. Prepared by esteemed geologists C.E. De Rance and A. Strahan, the highly technical chart precisely maps the subterranean strata and shaft depths across the industrial hubs of Prescot, St. Helens, Wigan, and Burnley.

The front pastedown bears a fascinating contemporary ink inscription reading, "This book was presented to William Nicholson by Rev Marsh / Price 6 shillings," providing a tangible link to its early provincial circulation. Below this, an unusual handwritten fragment lists, "A true knight / Fear of Death / Home thoughts," resting above a hand-drawn wavy line.

Surviving copies of these heavily utilised regional British topography and mining surveys are genuinely rare on the open market today. Finding a specimen that maintains its original linen backing in such fully functional, unbroken order is particularly uncommon, making it a compelling artefact for collectors of industrial local history.

An exceptional piece of 19th-century British industrial history, detailing the deep subterranean architecture of the West Lancashire Coal Field. Meticulously compiled by the Geological Survey of England and Wales, this folding chart offers a fascinating technical glimpse into the Victorian mining operations that powered the region. Complete with an evocative Victorian gift inscription, it stands as both a vital scientific record and a unique local history artefact.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: C.E. De Rance & A. Strahan

Book Publisher: Geological Survey of England and Wales

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 1

Book Publication Year:

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Marbled Boards over Linen

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Vertical Sections

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.