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Philip Henry Gosse. The Canadian Naturalist. London: John Van Voorst, 1840....
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Description
Philip Henry Gosse. The Canadian Naturalist. London: John Van Voorst, 1840.8vo. Illustrated. Original blindstamped green cloth, gilt-lettered on spine.
FIRST EDITION of the author's rare first book.
Gosse was an English naturalist, author, scientific illustrator, lecturer, entrepreneur, and pioneer in marine biology and ornithology. He established the world's first public marine aquarium at London Zoo in 1853 and coined the term "aquarium". On the recommendation of Thomas Bell, John Van Voorst agreed to publish The Canadian Naturalist, which was dedicated to Bell. The book, structured as a conversation between a father and his son (a son Gosse did not yet have), received positive reviews. After his death in 1888, the image of Gosse was influenced by his son, Edmund W. Gosse, through his works Life of Philip Henry Gosse F.R.S. (1890) and the memoir Father and Son (1907).
Accompanied by three autograph letters signed from Gosse to his publisher John Van Voorst, 8 December 1841 to 6 April 1881, together 5 ½ pages, various sizes, discussing their long relationship, publication matters and royalties, etc. In the last letter, written on his 71st birthday, Gosse writes: "how much of the happiness & usefulness of my long life I owe to you! If you had not so generously purchased the Ms. of my Canadian Naturalist, from me totally unknown & obscure, my whole succeeding course would doubtless have been very different from what it has been..." Additionally, this copy contains a sheet bound at end containing an accounting of the cost of the drawings and engraving for the illustrations in The Canadian Naturalist, identified by each respective artist. And also an engraved proof for the title vignette engraved from the author's sketch.
Condition: Neatly rebacked preserving original spine; mild wear to boards and extremities; otherwise fine.
Provenance: Nigel Ronald (armorial bookplate). From the William A. Strutz Library.
View all of [The William A. Strutz Library ]
Auction Info
2025 September 10 - 11 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part III, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6321 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2025
10th-11th
Wednesday-Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
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