Collins New Naturalist – 27 – Dartmoor – First Edition – 1953

Author: Harvey, L.A & St Leger-Gordon, D
Publisher: Collins
Price: £18 including postage in the UK
Publication Date: 1953
Edition: First edition
Size: Octavo
Binding: Original green cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: Very good plus in good dustwrapper

Condition:

Dustwrapper artwork by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. Neat ownership stamp to front free endpaper. Cloth bright and clean with slight spotting and dustiness to the text block. Very good plus in good, slightly foxed, faded and rubbed dustwrapper which has a small amount of loss to the head of the spine. We usually have first editions of all the New Naturalist Series in stock, please contact us for more details.

Dartmoor: New Naturalist 27: A Brief Overview

Overview

Dartmoor, volume 27 in the Collins New Naturalist series, is a classic regional natural history that examines Dartmoor as an integrated landscape, shaped by geology, climate, ecology, and long human occupation. In keeping with the ethos of the series, the book treats Dartmoor not as a wilderness in isolation, but as a living, working environment, where natural processes and human activity have been intertwined for millennia.

The volume is both a scientific survey and a cultural document, offering one of the most authoritative mid-twentieth-century accounts of Dartmoor’s character, complexity, and fragility.

The New Naturalist approach to Dartmoor

A regional synthesis

Rather than focusing on a single discipline, the book adopts a holistic framework, moving from underlying geology through soils, climate, vegetation, and animal life, and finally to human land use and conservation. Dartmoor is presented as a system, in which no element can be understood in isolation.

This approach makes the volume particularly valuable as a baseline against which later ecological and environmental change can be measured.

Geology and physical structure

Granite and tors

At the foundation of the book lies a detailed account of Dartmoor’s granite massif, whose slow exposure through erosion has produced:

• The characteristic tors
• Extensive clitter slopes
• Thin, acidic soils

The relationship between bedrock, surface form, and drainage is carefully traced, explaining why Dartmoor supports such distinctive habitats.

Hydrology and climate

Dartmoor’s high rainfall, frequent mist, and cool temperatures are treated as central ecological drivers. The book gives particular attention to:

• The moor’s role as a water catchment
• The formation of bogs and mires
• The slow movement of water through peat and granite

These conditions underpin both the vegetation patterns and the historical use of the land.

Vegetation and plant communities

Moorland and bog

Vegetation is analysed in terms of plant communities, rather than isolated species. Major habitats include:

• Dry heath
• Wet heath
• Blanket bog
• Valley mires

The book explains how grazing pressure, burning, and drainage have shaped these communities over centuries, often maintaining landscapes that appear “natural” but are in fact culturally sustained.

Woodland remnants

Although Dartmoor today appears largely treeless, the book documents:

• Relict oak woodlands in sheltered valleys
• Evidence of former, more extensive woodland cover

These sections challenge simplistic ideas of Dartmoor as a timeless open moor.

Animal life

Mammals

Native mammals, including small rodents, bats, and larger species, are discussed in relation to habitat availability and human influence. The Dartmoor pony is treated not romantically, but as a product of selective breeding and land management.

Birds

Bird life is a central feature of the volume. The book examines:

• Moorland breeders such as skylark and meadow pipit
• Raptors and scavengers
• Seasonal movements and winter populations

Birds are used as indicators of ecological health and land-use intensity.

Invertebrates

Considerable attention is given to insects and other invertebrates, especially those associated with:

• Peatlands
• Wet flushes
• Acid grassland

Their sensitivity to drainage and grazing change is emphasised.

Human history and land use

Prehistory to modern farming

One of the strengths of Dartmoor is its integration of archaeology and ecology. The book traces:

• Prehistoric settlement and field systems
• Medieval tin mining
• Commoning and pastoral farming

Human activity is shown not as external pressure alone, but as a force that has actively created many of Dartmoor’s present-day habitats.

Grazing and management

Sheep, cattle, and ponies are examined as ecological agents. The book analyses:

• Stocking levels
• Seasonal movement
• The impact of over- and under-grazing

This pragmatic treatment avoids nostalgia and focuses on consequences.

Conservation and protection

Early conservation thinking

Written before modern environmental legislation fully matured, the volume nonetheless shows a strong conservation awareness. It discusses:

• Soil erosion
• Peat degradation
• Loss of sensitive habitats

Dartmoor is presented as robust but not invulnerable, requiring informed management rather than simple preservation.

Style and authority

Scientific but accessible

Like the best New Naturalist volumes, Dartmoor balances:

• Technical accuracy
• Clear explanation
• An assumption of reader intelligence

The tone is observational and measured, avoiding polemic while making its conclusions clear.

Place within the New Naturalist series

Volume 27 stands as:

• One of the series’ key regional studies
• A model for later landscape-scale natural histories
• An important historical record of Dartmoor before late-twentieth-century environmental change

It complements other regional volumes while retaining a strong sense of place.

Concluding assessment

Dartmoor (New Naturalist 27) presents the moor as a dynamic, human-shaped landscape, grounded in deep geological time but continually modified by climate, grazing, and use. Its enduring value lies in its integration of disciplines and its refusal to separate nature from history.

As both scientific survey and cultural document, it remains essential reading for anyone seeking to understand Dartmoor not as myth or backdrop, but as a complex, working ecosystem whose future depends on informed stewardship.

The Collins New Naturalist Series: A Brief Overview

Introduction

The Collins New Naturalist series is one of the most significant and enduring achievements in British natural history publishing. Launched in 1945 by William Collins, Sons & Co. (now HarperCollins), the series set out to provide authoritative yet accessible accounts of British wildlife, habitats, and ecological principles. Over the decades it has become both a scientific resource and a cultural artefact, revered by naturalists, collectors, researchers, and book lovers alike.

The longevity and influence of the series stem from its commitment to expert authorship, high editorial standards, and a consistent mission: to bring the study of nature to the general reader without compromising scientific integrity.

Origins and Founding Vision

The series emerged in post-war Britain, during a period when public interest in the natural world was expanding. Scientific knowledge had accelerated rapidly during the first half of the twentieth century, and there was a growing appetite for well-written, engaging texts that could bridge the divide between academic research and amateur natural history.

The founding editors—most notably Sir Julian Huxley, James Fisher, and Dudley Stamp—had a clear and ambitious vision:

• To promote ecological literacy among the wider public
• To document the natural history of the British Isles in a coherent, scientifically rigorous format
• To invite leading authorities in their fields to contribute specialist volumes
• To cultivate an informed readership capable of understanding conservation issues

This vision aligned with a broader national desire to reconnect with the British landscape after the dislocation of the war years.

The Early Volumes

The first title, Butterflies by E. B. Ford, set the tone for the series: scholarly yet readable, richly illustrated, and grounded in the most current scientific thinking of its time. The format was instantly recognisable: octavo hardbacks with striking dust-jacket designs by the celebrated artists Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. These covers remain iconic for their bold, stylised depictions of flora and fauna.

Early volumes covered a wide range of subjects, including:

• Birds
• Wild Flowers
• British Plant Life
• Mushrooms and Toadstools
• The Sea Shore

The series helped unify disparate strands of biological knowledge, presenting them in a systematic programme that readers could follow book by book.

Editorial Philosophy and Scientific Approach

The New Naturalist books have always been written by experts—academics, professional naturalists, ecologists, and field researchers—who bring first-hand experience and original research to their subjects.

Key editorial principles include:

1. Accuracy and Depth

Each volume is grounded in contemporary scientific understanding, often incorporating cutting-edge research. Many authors have been leading authorities in their fields.

2. Accessibility

Although scholarly, the books avoid jargon and are aimed at a broad readership. Field observations, historical anecdotes, and clear explanations help convey complex ecological processes.

3. Ecological Perspective

The series pioneered ecosystem-based approaches, examining species and habitats within broader environmental contexts. This ecological viewpoint was ahead of its time and has contributed to the series’ enduring relevance.

4. Long-term Documentation

Many volumes remain standards in their fields; some have become important historical records of environmental change across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Design and Production

The visual identity of the series is a major part of its appeal. The Ellis designs, used for most of the twentieth century, are among the most recognisable dust-jackets in publishing history. They combine decorative patterning with scientifically accurate depictions, transforming each book into an artwork as well as a source of information.

Internally, the books are distinguished by:

• High-quality monochrome photographs
• Detailed diagrams and distribution maps
• Clear typography and durable binding

Collectors prize first editions for their craftsmanship and rarity, particularly those with unfaded, unpriced jackets.

Themes and Range of Subjects

The scope of the New Naturalist is unusually broad, covering:

• Individual species groups (e.g., dragonflies, bats, hedgehogs)
• Ecosystems and habitats (e.g., moorlands, woodlands, the sea shore)
• Geographic regions (e.g., the Hebrides, the New Forest, the Yorkshire Dales)
• Ecological phenomena (e.g., animal migration, climate and the landscape)
• Human–nature interactions (e.g., conservation, farming and wildlife)

This diversity ensures that the series provides a near-encyclopaedic survey of British natural history.

Evolution and Continuing Legacy

Despite changes in publishing and scientific practice, the New Naturalist series has continued into the twenty-first century with new volumes commissioned regularly. Contemporary authors maintain the tradition of expert, research-led writing, while incorporating modern ecological concerns such as:

• Biodiversity loss
• Rewilding
• Climate change
• Shifting baselines in environmental science

The series also serves as a historical archive, documenting ecological changes across nearly eighty years. Early volumes can be read alongside recent ones to trace shifts in species distribution, land use, and national conservation priorities.

Impact on British Natural History

The New Naturalist series has shaped generations of British naturalists, influencing both professional scientific development and amateur enthusiasm. Its contributions include:

• Inspiring careers in ecology, zoology, and conservation
• Providing reference texts for universities, libraries, and field groups
• Raising public awareness of environmental issues long before they became mainstream
• Preserving detailed accounts of habitats and species now threatened or transformed

For many readers, the series has been a gateway to lifelong engagement with the natural world.

Collecting and Cultural Status

Beyond its scientific importance, the New Naturalist series is a major collecting field. First editions in pristine condition can command high prices, particularly rare or limited print runs. The combination of scholarly value, artistic design, and bibliophilic appeal gives many volumes a dual identity as both scientific texts and cultural objects.

Special editions, including leather-bound or slip-cased versions, have added further layers of desirability among collectors.

Conclusion

The Collins New Naturalist series stands as a monumental achievement in British publishing and environmental education. It has succeeded, for nearly eight decades, in balancing scientific rigour with literary clarity, making complex ecological knowledge available to the general reader. Its influence on conservation, ecological awareness, and natural history writing is profound and enduring.

Through its expert authorship, iconic design, and unwavering commitment to quality, the series remains a cornerstone of British natural history and continues to inspire readers, researchers, and collectors alike.

Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey of Hornseys, Ripon: Specialist Dealer in First Editions and Fine Copies of the Collins New Naturalist Series

Daniel Hornsey, a partner of Hornseys in Ripon, is widely regarded as a trusted specialist in the field of modern British natural history books, with a particularly strong reputation for handling first editions and fine copies of the Collins New Naturalist series. His expertise has been built over many years of professional bookselling, during which he has developed a deep understanding of the series’ publishing history, bibliographic nuances, and the specific qualities that distinguish truly exceptional copies.

As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys, an established independent bookshop and gallery, is known for its careful curation and its emphasis on quality. Under Daniel Hornsey’s guidance, the shop has become a respected destination for collectors seeking rare, well-preserved, and accurately described volumes. He is recognised for his meticulous approach to condition assessment, his knowledge of dust-jacket variants and print histories, and his ability to source scarce titles—including early post-war first impressions, fine first editions and variant editions.

Collectors value his transparency, his attention to detail, and his commitment to presenting books exactly as they are, without exaggeration. This reliability is essential in a field where subtle differences in condition or printing can dramatically influence desirability and value. Whether advising a new collector or assisting an experienced bibliophile in completing a long-standing run, Daniel Hornsey combines practical bookselling experience with a genuine enthusiasm for the New Naturalist series.

Through Hornseys, he continues to contribute to the preservation, appreciation, and responsible circulation of these landmark works of British natural history publishing.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and as long-established specialists in fine books, maps, prints and ephemera, Hornseys maintains full professional membership of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA). The PBFA is one of the most respected trade bodies in the rare and antiquarian book world, with strict standards of expertise, authenticity and ethical trading. Our verified member listing can be viewed here: Hornseys – PBFA Member Profile.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and books must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.

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