The Whispering Land – Gerald Durrell – First UK Edition 1961

Author: Gerald Durrell
Title: The Whispering Land
Publisher: Rupert Hart-Davis, London
Date: 1961
Edition: First UK Edition, First Impression
Format: Octavo
Illustrator: Ralph Thompson
Catalogue Number: 004163
Condition: Near Fine in Near Fine Dustwrapper

Description

A particularly attractive first UK edition of Gerald Durrell’s The Whispering Land, published by Rupert Hart-Davis in 1961 and illustrated with 34 drawings by Ralph Thompson.

The book records Durrell’s expedition through Argentina, undertaken in search of wildlife for his zoological collection. Moving through a succession of landscapes and encounters with animals and people, Durrell combines serious natural-history observation with travel writing and the distinctive humour that established him as one of the twentieth century’s most popular writers on wildlife.

Published during the important early period of Durrell’s career, The Whispering Land followed books including My Family and Other Animals and A Zoo in My Luggage. It also reflects the practical conservation and animal-collecting work that increasingly defined Durrell’s life and subsequently developed into his internationally important work in wildlife preservation.

Ralph Thompson’s lively illustrations complement Durrell’s narrative throughout, while the original dustwrapper retains Thompson’s distinctive animal artwork.

Condition

The original binding is tight and firm. The pages are nice and clean. A near fine copy. The original dustwrapper is also near fine, with slight creasing, minor nicks and light rubbing. It retains the original 18s net price and presents very well. The wrapper has now been protected in an easily removable clear archival sleeve.

A fresh and desirable example of the first UK edition, particularly attractive with the original illustrated dustwrapper surviving in such pleasing condition.

Catalogue No. 004163.

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