CHARLES WATERTON (1782-1865) AND HIS ECCENTRIC TAXIDERMY. By P.A. Morris.

2014 1st edition. 4to (216 x 303mm). Pp104. Colour and b/w photographs and b/w illustrations throughout. Pictorial gilt black boards, gilt titles to spine.

Charles Waterton was a traveller, a 'larger than life' person and an inventive taxidermist, now regarded as one of Britain's great eccentrics. His activities, and the aggravation he caused, continue to fascinate, inspire and amuse even 150 years after his death. His famous book Wanderings in South America, published in 1825, described his travels at a time when few people made such journeys. Taxidermy was his passion. He used his skill to fabricate imaginary creatures, forming three-dimensional religious and political cartoons, lampooning issues and people that attracted his ire. His surviving specimens offer a fascinating insight into the skill and ideas of a controversial and idiosyncratic nineteenth century naturalist. This book focuses on his taxidermy, a prominent topic that has never been critically examined in any of the previous accounts, despite the key role it played in Waterton's life.