Edward A. Armstrong – The Wren – New Naturalist Monograph No. 3 – First Edition 1955

Author: Edward A. Armstrong
Title: The Wren
Series: The New Naturalist Monograph Series, No. 3
Publisher: Collins
Place: London
Date: 1955
Edition: First UK Edition
Format: Octavo
Dustwrapper Design: Clifford and Rosemary Ellis
Catalogue Number: 004171

Description

A scarce and attractive first edition of Edward A. Armstrong’s The Wren, published by Collins in 1955 as No. 3 in the New Naturalist Monograph Series.

The New Naturalist Monographs were conceived as more specialised companions to the main New Naturalist Library, allowing individual species and closely defined subjects to be treated in considerably greater depth. Early numbers in the monograph sequence are now among the more difficult New Naturalist titles to obtain in their original dustwrappers.

Armstrong’s study is a detailed examination of the wren, Troglodytes troglodytes and its behaviour, ecology and life history. Its chapters cover distribution and habitat; migration, dispersal and homing; feeding habits; territorial behaviour; song and calls; recognition, pair formation and polygamy; sexual display; nest-building; incubation; the care and development of the young; predation; mortality; and roosting behaviour.

Illustrated with 20 black-and-white photographs and 41 drawings and diagrams, the book exemplifies the observational and scientific approach that distinguished the early New Naturalist series. Armstrong was particularly interested in bird behaviour and communication, and the volume remains a substantial period study of the species rather than merely a descriptive identification guide.

The original dustwrapper was designed by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, whose inventive graphic work gave the early New Naturalist books and monographs their unmistakable visual identity. Their jackets have become an important collecting element in their own right, and survival of these early wrappers materially affects the desirability of individual copies.

Condition

Original green cloth binding tight and firm. Pages generally clean, with occasional foxing, particularly evident on the pastedowns. There is a neat bookseller’s label and stamp to the front pastedown. A very good copy in a very good original dustwrapper, retaining the 30s net publisher’s price. The wrapper is slightly creased and somewhat foxed, with a closed tear of approximately one inch at the corner of the front panel.

Nevertheless, this is an attractive example of an elusive early New Naturalist Monograph, retaining its original Clifford and Rosemary Ellis dustwrapper.

The dustwrapper has now been protected in an easily removable clear archival sleeve.

Catalogue Number: 004171

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:

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