Collins New Naturalist Series – 56 – Pedigree – Words From Nature – First Edition

Author: Stephen Potter & Laurens Sargent
Publisher: William Collins
Price: £50
Publication Date: 1973
Edition: 1st edition
Size: Octavo
Binding: Original green cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in near fine dustwrapper
Number of Pages: 322

Condition:

Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. Very slight foxing and dustiness to the text block. A near fine, tight, clean copy in near fine, slightly creased dustwrapper which has none of the usual fading to the spine. It has been price-clipped and re-priced by the publisher £5.50. The dustwrapper designed by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis is protected by its original ‘duraseal’ cover. 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:

The New Naturalist: Pedigree – Words from Nature, published in 1972, is a unique addition to the famous New Naturalist series, authored by Stephen Potter in collaboration with Laurens Sargent. This work combines Potter’s sharp wit and linguistic insight with Sargent’s depth of knowledge about the natural world, resulting in an exploration of language that bridges the gap between nature, culture, and the evolving English vocabulary.

In Pedigree: Words from Nature, Potter and Sargent examine how certain English words are rooted in nature, tracing their origins and their transformations through history. Each word profiled in the book is dissected to reveal layers of meaning, from its initial use as a term for a natural object or animal to its adaptation into broader, often metaphorical applications in British language and culture. For example, they consider words like “weasel” and “hawk,” illustrating how these names, derived from specific animals, later came to describe particular human behaviours or professions, such as “hawkish” for aggressive or opportunistic conduct.

The book is structured like an etymological field guide, each chapter focused on a different category of “pedigree” words, including those related to animals, plants, landscapes, and even weather patterns. This format allows readers to follow the linguistic evolution of words within the natural world while also appreciating the wit and subtle humour Potter brings to etymology. Sargent’s contributions lend scientific accuracy and depth to the descriptions of flora and fauna, anchoring the words’ origins in factual natural history.

With its engaging combination of linguistic history, natural science, and British wit, Pedigree: Words from Nature stands out in the New Naturalist series as a book that connects language to the living world. This 1972 publication remains a fascinating read for anyone interested in the intersection of nature, language, and culture, and it highlights how English words carry the “pedigree” of nature through their varied and often surprising histories.

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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