The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne
The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, or just The Natural History of Selborne is a book by English parson-naturalist Gilbert White (1720–1793). It was first published in 1789 by his brother Benjamin. It has been continuously in print since then, with nearly 300 editions up to 2007.
Title page of 1813 edition
Foldout frontispiece, North East view of Selborne from the Short Lythe, drawn by Samuel Hieronymus Grimm
Half-title oval illustration where the hermit hangs his straw-clad cell in the 1813 edition of Gilbert White's Natural History of Selborne. Painting by Samuel Hieronymus Grimm; engraved by William Angus. The "hermit" was Henry White, dressed to look picturesque.
Correspondent: the Welsh author and naturalist Thomas Pennant
Gilbert White was a "parson-naturalist", a pioneering English naturalist, ecologist, and ornithologist. He is best known for his Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne.
Gilbert White's house, The Wakes, now a museum, viewed from the back gardens in 2010
Title page of White's Natural History, which he published late in life
The stained glass window commemorating White in Selborne church