A BOOK OF THE SOUTH WEST – 1907 – DEVON & CORNWALL – BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION – TWO ORIGINAL FOLDING MAPS
A FASCINATING EDWARDIAN PORTRAIT OF DEVON AND CORNWALL – WITH TWO BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED ORIGINAL FOLDING MAPS!
An attractive copy of A Book of the South West, published in 1907 by William Pollard & Co., Exeter, to commemorate the 75th Annual Meeting of the British Medical Association, held in Exeter that year.
This substantial and beautifully illustrated Edwardian publication offers a fascinating picture of Devon and Cornwall as they appeared more than a century ago.
With its wealth of period photographs, historical and topographical articles, original advertisements and two superb folding maps, it is a wonderful piece of South West England's local history.
TWO ORIGINAL FOLDING MAPS – BOTH PRESENT!
Undoubtedly among the outstanding features of this copy are its two original folding maps:
Devon and Cornwall: A large, beautifully coloured map of the South-Western Peninsula, showing towns, roads, railways, coastlines and geographical features.
Exeter: A detailed contemporary street plan of the city, including its cathedral, railway stations, principal streets and historic landmarks.
Both maps are in exceptionally fresh, almost mint condition, with excellent colouring, crisp printing and very little evidence of previous handling.
One has a small tear close to the binding, but this does little to detract from the overall appearance of these remarkable survivors.
A WEALTH OF EDWARDIAN PHOTOGRAPHS
The book contains numerous photographic illustrations depicting the towns, villages, landscapes, coastline and historic buildings of Devon and Cornwall.
These provide an absorbing visual record of the region in the early twentieth century, before many of the changes brought by modern development and tourism.
Of particular interest are the contemporary views of places that remain familiar today, offering opportunities to compare the Edwardian South West with the present day.
HISTORY, LITERATURE & LOCAL INTEREST
The volume contains a variety of historical, descriptive and topographical contributions, including material associated with Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, the celebrated Cornish novelist and literary scholar.
Its contents explore the scenery, architecture, history and cultural character of Devon and Cornwall.
The original advertising material is another attractive feature, providing a glimpse of the hotels, businesses, transport services and commercial life of Edwardian South West England.
AN UNUSUAL BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION SOUVENIR
Produced specifically for the British Medical Association's 1907 Exeter meeting, this volume is much more than a conventional tourist guide.
It was intended to introduce visiting medical professionals to the history, attractions and distinctive character of the surrounding region.
This unusual association gives the publication additional interest to collectors of medical history and British Medical Association memorabilia.
ATTRACTIVE ORIGINAL BINDING
The book retains its distinctive pale original binding with gilt lettering and decorative crest.
Although showing some expected age-related discolouration and handling wear, the binding remains attractive and retains considerable Edwardian character.
CONDITION
A pleasing copy in Good to Very Good overall condition, with generally clean interiors and numerous attractive photographic illustrations.
The original covers show some age-related marks, rubbing and discolouration.
Both original folding maps are present and in outstanding condition, with only a small tear near the binding of one map.
Please refer to the separate condition description and photographs for further details.
OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO COLLECTORS OF:
Devon and Cornwall Local History
Antique Maps and Edwardian Cartography
Exeter History and Topography
Vintage British Travel and Tourism
Edwardian Photography
British Medical Association History
South West England Architecture and Heritage
A WONDERFUL EDWARDIAN SURVIVOR – COMPLETE WITH BOTH ORIGINAL FOLDING MAPS!
An appealing opportunity to acquire this substantial 1907 publication, combining beautiful historical maps, evocative photographs and a fascinating record of Devon and Cornwall over a century ago.
A DELIGHTFUL ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTION OF WEST COUNTRY HISTORY, ANTIQUE MAPS OR EDWARDIAN TRAVEL LITERATURE!