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Old Fourlegs – A highly collectible 1956 first edition of J. L. B. Smith’s classic account of the extraordinary discovery and search for the coelacanth, one of South Africa’s most celebrated stories in natural history. Complete with the original unclipped dust jacket.
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Old Fourlegs: The Story of the Coelacanth by Professor J. L. B. Smith is the celebrated first-hand account of one of the twentieth century’s most remarkable zoological discoveries. First published in 1956, the book recounts the identification of the coelacanth, a remarkable fish previously known primarily from the fossil record and once believed to have disappeared millions of years ago.
Old Fourlegs begins with the discovery of an extraordinary specimen near East London, South Africa, in December 1938. Museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer recognised that the fish was unusual and brought it to the attention of South African ichthyologist J. L. B. Smith. Smith subsequently identified it as a living coelacanth, transforming the specimen into an internationally significant scientific discovery.
Old Fourlegs extends beyond the initial identification to the prolonged search for further specimens along the East African and western Indian Ocean coastline. The eventual discovery of another coelacanth in the Comoros confirmed that the species had survived into modern times and established its extraordinary importance to zoology and evolutionary studies.
This 1956 first edition is especially desirable to collectors of South African natural history, ichthyology, marine science, exploration and important African scientific literature. The original illustrated dust jacket, featuring the striking coelacanth image, adds considerably to the appeal of the volume. Old Fourlegs is a landmark South African natural-history publication and an important contemporary account written by the scientist at the centre of the discovery.
Condition – Very Good
1956 first edition bound in aqua cloth with a navy-blue spine panel and gilt lettering. The cloth remains attractive with only light general wear. Internally there is foxing and age-related page discolouration, including scattered spotting to the preliminary and title pages. The original unclipped dust jacket is present, retaining the printed 21/- net price, with moderate edge and surface wear, rubbing, small losses and evidence of prior repairs, including tape repairs. The jacket nevertheless remains substantially complete and presents well
