Collins New Naturalist Series – 1 – Butterflies – First Reprint

Author: E. B. Ford
Publisher: William Collins
Price: £25
Publication Date: 1946
Edition: 1st Edition
Size: Octavo
Binding: Original green cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Very good indeed in very good dustwrapper
Number of Pages: 368

Condition:

1st reprint. Binding nice and tight with a little fading to the cloth. Pages nice and clean. Top edge very slightly dusty. A very good, tight, clean copy in very good, slightly creased, marked, nicked, foxed and rubbed dustwrapper which has a few short, closed tears and is a little faded to the spine. The dustwrapper, designed by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, is priced 16s. net. Please contact us for more photographs if you require them. We usually have first editions of all the Collins New Naturalist Series in stock.

Description:

Butterflies is the inaugural volume in the esteemed Collins New Naturalist series, authored by the distinguished British geneticist and lepidopterist E.B. Ford. First published in 1945, this seminal work offers a comprehensive exploration of British butterflies, combining scientific rigor with accessible prose to cater to both specialists and general readers.

Content Overview:

• Species Accounts: Ford provides detailed profiles of all known British butterfly species, discussing their life histories, habitats, distribution, and behaviours.
• Ecological and Genetic Insights: The book delves into the ecological relationships and genetic variations among butterfly populations, reflecting Ford’s pioneering work in ecological genetics.
• Conservation Perspectives: Ford addresses the conservation status of various species, highlighting the impact of environmental changes and human activities on butterfly populations.

Illustrations and Design:

The volume is enriched with numerous black-and-white photographs, illustrations, and maps that enhance the textual content. The dust jacket, designed by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, features a striking depiction of a butterfly, contributing to the book’s visual appeal.

Significance in the New Naturalist Series:

As the first book in the Collins New Naturalist series, Butterflies set a high standard for subsequent volumes. Its blend of scientific depth and readability exemplified the series’ mission to make natural history accessible to a broad audience.

Author’s Background:

Edmund Brisco Ford (1901–1988) was a pioneering British ecological geneticist. His extensive research on natural selection and genetic diversity in butterfly populations significantly advanced the field of ecological genetics.

The Collins New Naturalist Series: A Short History

The Collins New Naturalist series is one of the longest-running and most celebrated series on natural history ever published, providing an extensive exploration of British wildlife, habitats, and ecology since its inception in 1945. Published by William Collins, the series was launched to offer a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, yet accessible account of the natural history of the British Isles, appealing to both specialists and general nature enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its iconic cover designs, informative content, and ground-breaking illustrations, the New Naturalist series has been instrumental in fostering an appreciation for nature across generations.

Origins and Development

The series was the brainchild of Sir William Collins, who recognised a post-war desire for accessible and reliable information on the natural world. The initial aim was to create high-quality books that combined scientific accuracy with readability, crafted to be as engaging as they were informative. The first book, Butterflies by E.B. Ford, was published in 1945 and set a standard for the books that followed.

Topics and Structure

Each volume in the series is dedicated to a particular aspect of British natural history, with subjects ranging from specific groups of species, like Moths, Birds, and Warblers, to broader ecosystems and habitats, such as Woodlands, Rivers and Streams, and Mountain Flowers. Some volumes address particular ecological phenomena or geographical regions, giving readers an in-depth look at complex natural processes and interactions. Authors are typically experts in their fields, providing scientifically accurate yet highly accessible content. The volumes are filled with high-quality illustrations, photographs, and detailed diagrams, enhancing the textual information and bringing the subjects to life.

Illustrations and Cover Art

One of the most recognisable aspects of the New Naturalist series is its distinctive cover art, often created by celebrated wildlife artists. The covers feature striking depictions of British flora, fauna, and landscapes, with the illustrations becoming iconic in their own right. These visually appealing designs are as much a part of the series’ appeal as the content itself, establishing a cohesive and recognisable identity that is highly regarded by collectors.

Influence and Legacy

The Collins New Naturalist series has become a cornerstone of British natural history literature, influencing both academic study and public awareness of the natural world. For more than 75 years, the series has inspired naturalists, conservationists, and ordinary readers, encouraging a deeper understanding of British ecology and the environmental challenges facing the region. The series’ continued publication reflects its ongoing relevance, with new volumes addressing contemporary concerns such as climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity conservation.

Each book in the series combines a passion for nature with academic insight, presenting complex ecological ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging. Its success has established Collins New Naturalist as a respected name in natural history, and the books remain highly sought after by collectors, scholars, and anyone with an interest in British wildlife and the natural world.

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