harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
It is very seldom that a book proves to be so fascinating, that it is difficult to put it down, until it has been read from cover to cover. It is an exceptional occurrence, when the subject of the book is an anthology of entomological articles and the personalities, who wrote them.
Such a book is the recently published The Aurelian's Fireside Companion, by Michael A Salmon & Peter J Edwards, and illustrated by Tim Bernhard, with additional research and material provided by the Editor, Alec A Harmer. Published by Phaphia Publications Ltd. 2005.
Having a copy of Michael Salmon's earlier book, The Aurelian Legacy I have been waiting with more than a little anticipation, for this second volume, which has been advertised as 'forthcoming' for nearly three years. Whatever caused the delay is immaterial, it was very well worth waiting for.
Containing over 200 articles selected from the vast amount of Entomological Literature published over the past two centuries, it covers a whole range of very interesting subjects. Many were written by people of whom I had never heard of, other contributors were the Entomological 'Giants' of their time. A great number of the articles are accompanied by rare photographs of these personalities, so it's possible to put a face to the name.
The articles are varied and cover many subjects, from collecting trips, to arguments between the personalities of the time, from honest entomological dealers such as L.W. & H. Newman, to the rogues such as Standish, Raddon and Plastead. Early experiments with 'Sugaring' and 'Light' to catch moths are a delight to read, as are notes on collecting abroad.
Much of the book is devoted to the heyday of butterfly collecting in Victorian times, but there are items from earlier and later entomologists. Not all the Victorian entomologists were 'collecting mad' and there are articles expressing grave concern about butterfly and moth extinctions, through over-collecting.
This is a large volume, measuring approximately 11" x 81/2" and contains 428 pages. It is well bound, printed on high quality paper and profusely illustrated.
It is a limited edition, only 1000 copies being printed and each book is individually numbered.
At a price of £35.00 + £5.00 postage cost, it is not inexpensive, but compared to the cost of a good meal out, a decent seat in the theatre, or a centre court seat at Wimbledon, it is a bargain which will appreciate in value.
I would think that it will not be available from many High Street bookshops and that it is more likely to be obtained from specialised Entomological Book Dealers, many of whom will have taken advanced orders already. Should you want a copy I would suggest ordering one quickly.
Harry
Such a book is the recently published The Aurelian's Fireside Companion, by Michael A Salmon & Peter J Edwards, and illustrated by Tim Bernhard, with additional research and material provided by the Editor, Alec A Harmer. Published by Phaphia Publications Ltd. 2005.
Having a copy of Michael Salmon's earlier book, The Aurelian Legacy I have been waiting with more than a little anticipation, for this second volume, which has been advertised as 'forthcoming' for nearly three years. Whatever caused the delay is immaterial, it was very well worth waiting for.
Containing over 200 articles selected from the vast amount of Entomological Literature published over the past two centuries, it covers a whole range of very interesting subjects. Many were written by people of whom I had never heard of, other contributors were the Entomological 'Giants' of their time. A great number of the articles are accompanied by rare photographs of these personalities, so it's possible to put a face to the name.
The articles are varied and cover many subjects, from collecting trips, to arguments between the personalities of the time, from honest entomological dealers such as L.W. & H. Newman, to the rogues such as Standish, Raddon and Plastead. Early experiments with 'Sugaring' and 'Light' to catch moths are a delight to read, as are notes on collecting abroad.
Much of the book is devoted to the heyday of butterfly collecting in Victorian times, but there are items from earlier and later entomologists. Not all the Victorian entomologists were 'collecting mad' and there are articles expressing grave concern about butterfly and moth extinctions, through over-collecting.
This is a large volume, measuring approximately 11" x 81/2" and contains 428 pages. It is well bound, printed on high quality paper and profusely illustrated.
It is a limited edition, only 1000 copies being printed and each book is individually numbered.
At a price of £35.00 + £5.00 postage cost, it is not inexpensive, but compared to the cost of a good meal out, a decent seat in the theatre, or a centre court seat at Wimbledon, it is a bargain which will appreciate in value.
I would think that it will not be available from many High Street bookshops and that it is more likely to be obtained from specialised Entomological Book Dealers, many of whom will have taken advanced orders already. Should you want a copy I would suggest ordering one quickly.
Harry
