The Story of Insect Life, W. Percival Westell, 1907

The Story of Insect Life, by W. Percival Westell, F.L.S., M.B.O.U. With 138 Illustrations from Photographs by Messrs. H.W. Shepheard-Walwyn, M.A.; C.F. Oakley; J.H. Crabtree. and others; and Eight Coloured Plates by E.J. Bedford.

Published by Robert Culley, London. Undated, but Preface dated to 1907, and prize inscription dated to Xmas 1917. Worldcat lists 1907 as the pubication date. Presumed first edition. Fairly scarce - Worldcat identifies just 20 institutional holdings.

A very good full red leather hardback in a full leather prize binding from 'Naish House'. Gilt "Naish House' and border to front cover with tooled gilt spine, raised bands and green morocco title label. Some minor shelf wear to covers. Red feathered marble endpapers, matched to text block edges. 'Star Prize' presentation inscription from a 'Headmaster' to first free endpaper. Inner hinges all intact and soundly bound.

The text is generally clean and bright, but with some age spotting to endpapers, title, and first and last few pages.  Otherwise there is occasional scattered spotting, particularly to the reverse of the tissue guarded colour plates. Beautifully presented with illustrated coloured plates and black and white photographs throughout. An attractive volume.

Text in English.

xv + 339pp + Plates with printed tissue guards (all as called for).

Dimensions: approx 193mm high x 148mm wide x 42mm deep.

Weight: approximately 682g (unpacked).