With a foreword by Gerald Durrell. Originally published in 1774 as History of the Earth and Animated Nature. Goldsmith drew on the work of earlier naturalists but had little concern for attempts to create classifications. His intention was to entertain and enthrall, and his lively prose certainly does that. More than 200 finely reproduced plates accompany Goldsmith's text. The plates are from M. Charles d'Orbigny's Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle published in 1849 and includes work by the most accomplished natural history artists of the 19th century. Oversized at 13 1/2 inches tall and 9 inches wide, this is a really fun book to explore, with Durrell's foreword and Goldsmith's preface setting the tone. The condition is almost like new, but there is a tear on the front corner of the jacket and some light wear on the back bottom edge of the jacket. Arch Cape Press. 1990. USED. $10.00
