{"product_id":"west-lancashire-coal-field-1st-edition","title":"West Lancashire Coal Field — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWest Lancashire Coal Field: Sections of Shafts Sunk in the Middle Coal Measures of Prescot, St. Helens, Wigan and Burnley, C.E. De Rance \u0026amp; A. Strahan — First Edition\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication\u003c\/strong\u003e: London, Geological Survey of England and Wales, [c. 1880]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormatting\u003c\/strong\u003e: 8vo, folding dissected lithographic chart mounted on linen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurviving 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54907354317139,"sku":"5446","price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260907_121953.jpg?v=1789030440","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/west-lancashire-coal-field-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}