Collins New Naturalist Series – 35 – The World Of The Soil – First Edition – 1957

Author: Russell, Sir E. John
Publisher: Collins
Price: £120 including postage in the UK
Publication Date: 1957
Edition: First Edition
Size: Octavo
Binding: Original green cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: Fine in fine dustwrapper

Condition:

Dustjacket design by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. Cloth bright and clean with slightly spotted text block. A fine, tight, clean copy in fine, clean dustwrapper which is very slightly faded to the spine but is very bright and fresh. Scarce in this condition. We usually have first editions of all the New Naturalist Series in stock, please contact us for more details.

The World Of The Soil: New Naturalist 35: A Brief Overview

The World of the Soil is the 35th volume in the esteemed Collins New Naturalist series, authored by Sir E. John Russell and first published in 1957. This authoritative and wide-ranging work presents a comprehensive study of soil science, combining rigorous scientific understanding with clarity and accessibility. Russell, one of Britain’s foremost soil scientists and a former Director of Rothamsted Experimental Station, brings both academic depth and practical insight to the subject.

Content Overview:

The Nature and Origin of Soil:

Russell begins by examining the formation of soils through the weathering of parent rock and the gradual incorporation of organic matter. He explains the development of soil profiles, including their distinct horizons, and discusses the physical characteristics of soils such as texture, structure, porosity, and water retention. Soil is presented as a product of long-term interactions between geology, climate, vegetation, and time.

Soil Chemistry and Fertility:

A central component of the book is its detailed treatment of soil chemistry. Russell explores the essential nutrients required for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and explains how these elements are cycled and made available within the soil. The roles of soil pH, mineral composition, and chemical balance are examined, providing a scientific framework for understanding fertility and agricultural productivity.

Soil Organisms and Biological Processes:

Russell emphasises the importance of soil as a living system. He describes the diverse community of organisms inhabiting the soil, from bacteria and fungi to earthworms and other invertebrates. Their roles in decomposition, humus formation, and nutrient cycling are explained in detail, demonstrating how biological activity underpins soil health and productivity.

Soil and Vegetation:

The close relationship between soil and plant life is explored throughout the volume. Russell shows how different soil types support distinct plant communities, and how vegetation in turn influences soil development through root systems and organic inputs. This reciprocal relationship is presented as fundamental to ecological stability.

Agriculture and Land Use:

Given Russell’s background, the book pays particular attention to agricultural soils. He discusses cultivation, fertilisation, crop rotation, and soil management practices, assessing their effects on soil structure and fertility. The balance between productive land use and long-term soil preservation is a recurring theme.

Soil Degradation and Conservation:

Russell addresses the threats posed by erosion, over-cultivation, and poor land management. He highlights the vulnerability of soil as a resource and advocates for careful stewardship. Issues such as loss of organic matter and declining fertility are discussed with notable foresight, anticipating concerns that have become increasingly important in modern environmental science.

Illustrations and Design:

The volume includes diagrams, photographs, and figures that illustrate soil profiles, chemical processes, and biological interactions. These visual elements support the text and help clarify complex scientific concepts.

Significance:

The World of the Soil is widely regarded as one of the most important and intellectually substantial volumes in the New Naturalist series. Russell’s ability to integrate chemistry, biology, and ecology into a coherent and readable narrative elevates the subject beyond purely technical treatment. The book reveals soil as a fundamental and dynamic component of the natural world, essential to both natural ecosystems and human civilisation.

It remains a landmark work in British natural history literature, valued for its depth, clarity, and enduring relevance.

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.

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