There is something about old books that makes them appeal so much more than any new book. The smell goes without saying. That old musty book smell that makes the reading experience so much more special. The appearance is also appealing as they look like something special and conjure nostalgia in many book-lovers.
There is something very quaint about our new (or old) copy of “The Natural History of Selborne”. The book begins with poems…something you’re unlikely to find in any modern-day natural history guide. These poems are then followed by a series of letters, which form the remainder of the book.
Within these letters appear the combination of contemplations and facts wrapped up together in the most beautiful archaic English. An example of this is the description by White of swallows: “All the summer long is the swallow a most instructive pattern of unwearied industry and affection; for, from morning to night, while there is a family to be supported, she spends the whole day in skimming close to the ground, and exerting the most sudden turns and quick evolutions”.
“Within these letters appear the combination of contemplations and facts wrapped up together in the most beautiful archaic English.”
Whilst it is worth reading old books with a sceptical eye lest they lead you into believing science that has since been disproved, a book like this is full of observations and therefore perhaps may hold a little more fact than you might otherwise assume. As it is stated in one of the letters “I noted each day the continuance or omission of each bird’s song; so that I am as sure of the certainty of my facts as a man can be of any transaction whatsoever“.
It appears that to confirm sightings at the time, birds were often shot. The idea seems ludicrous to us now but would it have seemed quite so ludicrous if we didn’t have cameras to capture the birds instead or an awareness of the negative impact excessive shooting caused? It is certainly good to have hindsight in our grasp now in order to judge and change.
Whilst I have not yet had the opportunity to read this book in full, I do believe that any book that contains the sentence, “In my visit I was not very far from Hungerford, and did not forget to make some inquires concerning the wonderful method of curing cancers by means of toads.” deserves to be immediately bought and forever treasured.
Own your own copy of Gilbert White’s “The Natural History of Selborne”
Pay a visit to Hay-on-Wye to explore the book shops: