1905 - My Back-Yard Zoo; A Course of Natural History

By Rev. J.G. Wood

Undated, c. late 19th century/ Bookplate dated 1905
Isbister and Company, Publishers/ London
Printed by J.S. Virtue and Co., London.

 
Finely Bound Prize Presentation Copy – King’s School Canterbury, 1905

An exceptional prize binding of this richly illustrated natural history work by the Reverend J.G. Wood. Bound in deep navy-blue full calf with raised bands, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine compartments, and the gilt and crest of Christ Church, Oxford to the front board. Inner dentelles, marbled endpapers in striking blue with gilt veining, and all edges marbled to match. Binding tight and square. Some foxing to prelims and a few pages throughout, as is typical. Boards bright and clean.

This edition contains seventy detailed illustrations, including birds, insects, cats, and other domestic and exotic creatures. Divided into two parts: My Back-Yard Zoo and Foreign Relatives of Home Friends, reflecting Victorian fascination with nature at home and abroad.

Inscribed King’s School Canterbury prize label dated 1905 to the front pastedown, awarded to R.E.C. Elson for “Progress in French.”

Condition:
Very good-Near Fine.

A beautiful and gift-worthy copy.