Three Voyages of a Naturalist: Being an Account of Many Little-Known Islands in Three Oceans Visited by the “Valhalla,” R.Y.S.
By M. J. Nicoll. London: Witherby & Co.; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1908. xxx, 246 pages. First edition, with an introduction by the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Crawford, K.T., F.R.S.
An early natural-history and travel narrative covering voyages around Africa, to the West Indies, and around the world aboard the “Valhalla.” Nicoll was a member of the British Ornithologists’ Union, and the book records remote-island wildlife, birds, natural history, and exploration.
COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED COPY
The title page calls for 56 plates, 4 sketch maps, and text illustrations. This copy has been checked against the illustrated-material list and contains all 56 plates and all 4 sketch maps called for on the title page, in addition to the text illustrations.
ROBERT SEDGWICK PROVENANCE
This copy bears the engraved armorial bookplate of Robert Sedgwick, a documented prior-owner mark. The bookplate was designed by American artist and bookplate engraver Edwin Davis French. It is an appealing and genuine provenance feature for a travel and natural-history collection.
The book is not signed or inscribed by author M. J. Nicoll and is not represented as a presentation copy.
CONDITION
Good / Good-minus antique condition. Original blue cloth binding with bright gilt spine lettering. Binding appears sound in the supplied photographs. The boards have scuffs, scratches, light stains, and general handling wear. The spine ends and corners are rubbed and frayed. Interior pages show foxing/spotting, most visible at the endpapers and around the title/frontispiece area, with scattered lighter spots elsewhere.
The rear endpaper/pastedown area has pronounced brown adhesive shadows and staining from a removed item. The Robert Sedgwick bookplate remains in place on the front pastedown. No dust jacket is included.
Please review every photograph carefully for exact condition, the bookplate, endpaper staining, binding wear, plates, and maps. You will receive the exact 1908 copy shown.