"A History of the Earth and Animated Nature" Oliver Goldsmith, 1876
 
A Landmark of Popular Science, Oliver Goldsmith’s 1774 work, was one of the most successful attempts to bring the natural world to the general public. Spanning everything from geology and the atmosphere to a detailed survey of the animal kingdom, the work prioritized narrative charm over rigorous scientific observation. While Goldsmith leaned heavily on earlier sources like Buffon, his gift was in synthesis; he transformed dry data into a vivid, accessible journey. For over a century, these volumes—especially the later illustrated editions like the 1876 version - served as the primary window into biology and earth science for Victorian households, blending folklore with the burgeoning naturalism of the era. Despite his immense talent, Goldsmith lived a life of financial instability and was often viewed by his peers as a charming but eccentric "idiot savant." He wrote Animated Nature primarily as a commercial venture to settle his mounting debts, yet his prose was so elegant that Samuel Johnson famously remarked Goldsmith could make even the subject of natural history "as entertaining as a Persian tale."
 
Condition: This two volume set has been lovingly preserved w/ Vol. 1 showing a re-backed spine w/ leather w/ both boards firmly attached and original leather spine laid down over new spine covering. Vol II. shows reinforced hinges with repairs made under the leather firmly attaching both boards while retaining much of the original charm and patina of the antiquity of the book. Very charming set, that can be read and handled with ease  - spine label is somewhat crude but shows well on the books and are quite sturdy. The fore-edge of the book is closely aligned with the fore-edge of the boards, but displays quite nicely and can be handled and read with ease.