Description
First edition of African Nature Notes and Reminiscences by Frederick Courteney Selous, from the library of Patrick Frank Hadow.
Octavo, xxx, 356pp. Brick red cloth, title in gilt on spine, thin border stamped in blind. No other printings listed on copyright page. Light rubbing to covers and spine, wear to corners, faint toning to endpapers. Occasional cracks in text at gutter, still strong. Complete with 13 full-page plates, including frontispiece with tissue. (Hosken 180) (Czech 252) Signed by previous owner P. Frank Hadow on half-title. Scarce seen in the United States.
Frederick Selous (1851-1917) was a hunter, explorer, and conservationist who provided large contributions to the knowledge of the country now known as Zimbabwe. Selous soon turned to conservation upon the realization that elephants were becoming scarce and certain species needed to be protected by law.
Patrick Frank Hadow (1855-1946) was an English tennis player and winner of the 1878 Wimbledon championship. Hadow enjoyed hunting in the early 20th century and favored big game in Africa like antelope, buffalo, and Ugandan kob.