Reliquiae Diluvianae; or, Observations on the Organic Remains contained in Caves, Fissures, and Diluvial Gravel, and on other Geological Phenomena, attesting the Action of an Universal Deluge. [First edition].

Buckland, William

Edité par John Murray, London, 1823

A propos de cet article

London, quarto, vii, [1], 303 p., text illustrations, 27 plates and maps (3 hand-colored), and folding table. ***CONTENT: The Rev. William Buckland (1784-1856), twice President of the Geological Society, was one of the leading figures in British geology during the first half of the 19th century. Early in his career Buckland was convinced that the fossil record and recent sedimentary deposits could provide supportive evidence for the Biblical Flood. This first edition of "Reliquiae", his most acclaimed and influential treatise, outlines his arguments for a global deluge in Noah's time. The volume documents Buckland's keen observations and discoveries of the bones of antediluvian mammals (hyaenas, tigers, elephants, rhinos, etc.) in caves and river-gravels in England, France, Germany and elsewhere. Later chapters discuss geologic evidence of catastrophic flooding, excavation of valleys, deposits of gravel beds and boulders worldwide, and more. The volume is illustrated by striking engraved plates of fossil remains, cutaway views of caves showing accumulations of sediments and bones, and hand-colored geological maps and scenic views. ***CONDITION: This is a fully complete, VG copy in later tan half calf and contemporary marbled boards; backstrip with 5 raised bands and gilt-stamped titles. The covers are very sound, with moderate edge wear; spine ends solid, gilt spine lettering bright and bold. Joints solid, hinges starting but strong, binding very firm. Brown tinted page edges. The text pages are typically fresh, clean and bright, save for mild offsetting from a bookplate on the title page verso and a few spots of foxing elsewhere. The plates, on thicker paper, are near pristine. ***PROVENANCE: The only ownership evidence herein is a contemporary armorial bookplate "Elijah Impey", mounted to the verso of the title page. Elijah Barwell Impey (1780-1849) was the son of Sir Elijah Impey (1732-1809) and was educated at Christ Church College, Oxford, where he likely encountered William Buckland. Incidentally, the elder Impey was an intimate friend of the father of celebrated geologist Sir Roderick "Impey" Murchison, and thus originated Sir Roderick's middle name. This is a sound, attractive copy of a very scarce treatise. Ward and Carozzi 369. BMNH 276 (wanting). International shipping will be extra, but only at my cost.

N° de réf. du vendeur OG5522

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Reliquiae Diluvianae; or, Observations on the Organic Remains contained in Caves, Fissures, and Diluvial Gravel, and on other Geological Phenomena, attesting the Action of an Universal Deluge. [First edition].
• Éditeur: John Murray, London
• Date de parution: 1823
• Reliure: Hardcover
• Édition: 1st Edition
• État de l'article: Very Good