J. Morton Boyd & Ian L. Boyd – The Hebrides – New Naturalist No. 76 – First Edition 1990

Authors: J. Morton Boyd & Ian L. Boyd
Title: The Hebrides: A Natural History
Series: The New Naturalist Library, No. 76
Publisher: Collins
Place: London
Date: 1990
Edition: First UK Edition
Format: Octavo
Dustwrapper Design: Robert Gillmor
Catalogue Number: 004170

Description

A very attractive first edition of The Hebrides: A Natural History by J. Morton Boyd and Ian L. Boyd, published in 1990 as No. 76 in the New Naturalist Library.

This is one of the important regional studies in the New Naturalist series and provides a broad ecological survey of the Hebridean islands. Rather than treating individual species in isolation, the authors examine the natural history of the archipelago as an interconnected system shaped by geology, climate, soils, sea, freshwater habitats and long-standing human influence.

The contents include detailed sections on geology, climate and hydrography, soils, marine life, vegetation, birds and mammals, together with discussion of the ecological relationships that give the Hebrides their distinctive character. The work reflects the traditional strength of the New Naturalist series: combining rigorous scientific observation with a strong sense of place.

Illustrated with 21 colour photographs and more than 150 black-and-white photographs, and with a foreword by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Published as volume 76 of the New Naturalist Library, the book belongs to the later period of the series in which regional ecological studies remained an important part of the list. First editions in original dustwrappers are particularly sought after by New Naturalist collectors, with condition and jacket preservation playing a significant role in desirability.

The pictorial dustwrapper was designed by Robert Gillmor, one of the most important British wildlife artists associated with the later New Naturalist series. His jacket designs form a highly recognisable sequence within the collection and are increasingly appreciated in their own right.

Condition

Original binding tight and firm. Pages nice and clean. A near fine copy in a near fine original dustwrapper, retaining the publisher’s £30.00 price. The wrapper has only very slight creasing, with fading to the spine. The dustwrapper has now been protected in an easily removable clear archival sleeve.

Catalogue Number: 004170

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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