Collins New Naturalist Series – 61 – Inheritance And Natural History – First Edition – 1977

Author: Berry, R.J
Publisher: Collins
Price: £40 including postage in the UK
Publication Date: 1977
Edition: First edition
Size: Octavo
Binding: Original green cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in near fine dustwrapper

Condition:

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

Inheritance And Natural History: New Naturalist 61: A Brief Overview

Inheritance and Natural History, volume 61 in the Collins New Naturalist series (published 1977), is one of the most intellectually ambitious titles in the series. It seeks to bridge classical field natural history and modern genetics, demonstrating how patterns observed in wild populations are underpinned by mechanisms of inheritance.

At a time when molecular genetics was advancing rapidly, the book aimed to ensure that naturalists understood the genetic principles shaping variation, adaptation, and evolution in Britain’s flora and fauna.

Conceptual Aim

The central thesis is that:

• Natural variation observed in the field
• Population differences across landscapes
• Adaptations to climate and habitat

can only be fully understood through the framework of Mendelian inheritance and evolutionary genetics.

The volume does not treat genetics as abstract laboratory science, but as a tool for interpreting real organisms in real environments.

Foundations of Genetics

Mendelian principles

The book explains:

• Dominant and recessive alleles
• Segregation and independent assortment
• Punnett square analysis
• Heritability

These principles are introduced clearly, but always with reference to observable natural variation.

Mutation and variation

Genetic mutation is discussed as the ultimate source of new variation. The text explores:

• Spontaneous mutation
• Chromosomal variation
• Polyploidy in plants

Particular emphasis is placed on how variation becomes visible in wild populations.

Population Genetics

Gene frequencies

The book introduces core concepts such as:

• Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium
• Genetic drift
• Natural selection

Rather than remaining theoretical, these are illustrated with British case studies.

Local adaptation

Examples include:

• Industrial melanism in the Peppered Moth
• Shell colour variation in snails
• Flower colour polymorphisms

These cases demonstrate how environmental pressure alters gene frequency over time.

Natural Selection in the Field

The volume shows that:

• Selection acts on phenotypes
• Environmental change drives evolutionary response
• Adaptation can occur over surprisingly short timescales

Industrial melanism is presented not merely as textbook example, but as field-based evolutionary evidence within living memory.

Plants and Genetic Complexity

Plants receive particular attention because of:

• Hybridisation
• Polyploidy
• Apomixis

British flora provides numerous examples where genetic processes complicate simple species definitions.

Behaviour and Inheritance

The book also considers:

• Genetic influence on behaviour
• Bird song variation
• Breeding timing

While cautious about over-interpretation, it recognises that behaviour has heritable components subject to selection.

Human Influence and Artificial Selection

Agriculture and domestication are discussed as:

• Accelerated forms of selection
• Models for understanding natural processes

The contrast between natural and artificial selection reinforces the evolutionary argument.

Conservation Implications (1977 Context)

By the late 1970s, conservation genetics was emerging. The book anticipates later developments by discussing:

• Loss of genetic diversity in small populations
• Inbreeding
• Habitat fragmentation

Although written before the molecular revolution of the 1980s and 1990s, its population-level perspective remains robust.

Style and Intellectual Character

Volume 61 is more conceptually dense than many New Naturalist titles. It reflects:

• The growing influence of evolutionary biology
• An effort to integrate genetics with field observation
• A didactic but accessible tone

It assumes a reader willing to engage with scientific reasoning rather than purely descriptive natural history.

Place within the Series

Inheritance and Natural History is unusual within the series because it is not taxon- or habitat-based. Instead, it provides:

• A theoretical foundation
• A conceptual framework applicable across volumes

It complements works such as British Moths, Wild Flowers, and British Tits by explaining the genetic processes underlying observed variation.

Concluding Assessment

Inheritance and Natural History (New Naturalist 61, 1977) represents a significant attempt to unite the traditions of British field natural history with the principles of modern genetics. By grounding inheritance in real populations and visible variation, it demonstrates that evolution is not abstract theory but an ongoing process observable in hedgerows, woodlands, and farmland.

Its enduring importance lies in reminding naturalists that biodiversity is shaped not only by habitat and behaviour, but by the invisible architecture of genes operating within populations over time.

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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