The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne
WHITE, Gilbert
A New Edition; with Notes, by Edward Turner Bennett and Others.
BENNETT'S 'SELBORNE' IN ORIGINAL CLOTH
Published: Printed for J. and A. Arch; Longman & Co. [and many others, 1837]
Stock code: 26920
Price: £285.00
Roy. 8vo., Sole Edition thus, with engraved title-vignette and 45 engraved illustrations and facsimiles in the text, neat contemporary signature pencilled on front paste-down; original green diced cloth, boards elaborately blocked in blind, gilt back, yellow endpapers, uncut, expertly rebacked with old backstrip laid down, a most attractive copy in period binding.
Bennett's edition is well-known for its very extensive notes. It is similar to Rennie's edition of 1833, and is published by the same consortium. Some of Rennie's illustrations are reprinted. The work as a whole comprises [1] 'The Natural History of Selborne', [2] 'The Naturalist's Calendar', [3] 'Observations on various Parts of Nature', [4] 'Summary of the Weather', [5] 'Poems' and [6] 'The Antiquities of Selborne', all of which have individual titles. The first work includes White's 'Advertisement', John White's biography, and an extended and valuable Preface (containing an excellent summary of previous editions) by the editor's brother, the former having predeceased publication. The second work includes Dr. Aikin's Advertisement. Among the reprinted illustrations from Rennie there are several interesting revisions of caption. Rennie's 'The Village' here becomes 'Selborne, from Darton'; 'The Little Bridge' is here 'Hollow Lane, and Bridge, near Norton'; and 'The Hanger' is here 'Way leading to Gracious Street'. A bright, firm copy of an important edition. Martin, pp.132-135.