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[Hutton, John].
A Tour to the Caves, in the Environs of Ingleborough and Settle, in the West-Riding of Yorkshire.
Publisher: Printed for Richardson Urquhart, under the Royal Exchange; J. Robson, New Bond Street; W. Pennington, Kendal. London;
Date of Publication: 1781
Stock Code: 14186
Second Edition. Octavo in half-sheets, pp., [2], [ii], 100, signed A4-N4. Later publisher’s marbled paper-covered boards. Two leaves unopened. Contemporary rococo bookplate of Charles Egerton (1765-1845) to front paste-down, with three historic ownership inscriptions in ink. The stab-holes in the gutter of the text-block suggest that this copy was originally issued in paper wraps, which corresponds to the copy held at the Bodleian which is in stab-stitched wrappers. Boards scuffed, faded and partially soiled, corners rubbed with some loss, upper board loose but just holding, lacking spine surface but bands holding firm. Light soiling to edges of some leaves, but generally clean. A good copy. The first English book dedicated solely to the subject of caves. A germinal and influential work which discusses for the first time, caves as picturesque and attractive objects. The book provides the first printed account of many Yorkshire caves. Of interest to speleologists, the volume contains Hutton’s novel and original theory of cave formation. This edition also includes a new glossary of Yorkshire dialect words to end. A rare work. £600.00