The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
An Entomological Anthology
I've just treated myself to this wonderful book by Michael A Salmon & Peter J Edwards; it's a collection of 200 notes, letters and articles gleaned from British entomological journals from the past 200 years or so.
In the words of the author's - "It's a celebration of the joys and frustrations experienced by collectors of butterflies and moths".
This book is a limited edition of 1000 copies, it's certainly no lightweight tome, either physically or content wise, indeed the author's stress it's text is non scientific and the very title would suggest a book that you can simply dip into time and time again..."ideally in a comfortable armchair by the fireside in winter" writes Peter Marren in his foreword for the book. I've only read a few of the 425 pages as yet, but I instinctively know I'm going to simply love this book, how could I not when it comes from the same pedigree as The Aurelian Legacy (another heartily recommended tome).
The famous names of entomology abound throughout the book; Newman, Stainton, Tutt, Leeds, Frowhawk, Allen, Baron Charles de Worms, Rothschild et al. Clergymen, high-ranking military men, professors of medicine and the ordinary amateur lepidopterist are all included in a pot-pourri of anecdote, gossip, reminiscences and even entomological fraud (never I hear you all cry - but tis' true!). I believe this fascinating book has something to offer even the most seasoned naturalist, just take a look at that superb cover by the artist/illustrator Tim Bernhard, it evokes all the summer of a butterfly meadow even allowing for the free artistic licence the artist has released; swallowtails, marbled white, peacock and fritillary all fly freely on this delightful cover. Include many dozens, no! - many scores of pictures and illustrations throughout and you have the recipe for an award winning book, which it most certainly should be...and most probably is (I'm not sure).
Before I leave you all wondering how you can afford not to get this book...I bought mine from Pemberley Books (via Amazon Marketplace) at the exceedingly good price of £20 plus postage & packing @ £2.80 that's pretty good eh!
I'm giving this a Willrow Star Rating of 6 out of 5 - however numbers never was my strong suit Buy this excellent book, I simply can't put mine down...and now what page was I on...
Bill
The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
Why not visit my website at http://www.dragonfly-days.co.uk
- P.J.Underwood
- Posts: 366
- Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:04 pm
- Location: S.W.Surrey
Re: The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
Thanks for this info.I have just bought mine,to go with Variations in British Butterflies,recommended by Piers.It sits nicely next to The Anatomy of Domestic Animals by Sissons.
P.J.U.
P.J.U.
Re: The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
Your more than welcome PJ, and I just hope you enjoy yours as much as I'm enjoying mine.P.J.Underwood wrote:Thanks for this info
Bill
Why not visit my website at http://www.dragonfly-days.co.uk
Re: The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
Thanks very much for providing the value able information here...!!
I have ordered the book and will get the delivery in a couple of days..!!
I have ordered the book and will get the delivery in a couple of days..!!
Re: The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
An investment in pleasure Roddick I'm sure you'll enjoy it immensely. Books such as this don't come by very often and do remember it's a limited edition.
Enjoy!!!
Bill
Enjoy!!!
Bill
Why not visit my website at http://www.dragonfly-days.co.uk
- dilettante
- Posts: 564
- Joined: Sun May 01, 2011 11:03 am
- Location: Cambridge area
Re: The Aurelian's Fireside Companion
Me too! Looking forward to it. I got a "your goods have been dispatched" notice less than 2hrs after ordering, so thumbs up to Pemberley Books.Roddick wrote:Thanks very much for providing the value able information here...!!
I have ordered the book and will get the delivery in a couple of days..!!
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dilettante's butterfly photos at pbase.com
dilettante's butterfly photos at pbase.com