Antique Fossil Books Returned to Leeds Library After 50 Years

Rare 19th Century Geology Volumes Found in Charity Shop

Two antique volumes of a significant 19th century geology work, written by the Rev. William Buckland, have been returned to Leeds Central Library after being overdue for 50 years. The books, which were due back in March 1976, were unexpectedly discovered in a charity shop in Beverley, East Yorkshire, before being returned to Leeds for assessment and preservation.

Details of the Books and Their Discovery

The volumes, titled Geology and Mineralogy Volumes I and II, were authored by Rev. William Buckland in 1836. Buckland was a pioneering geologist and palaeontologist, known for producing the first full account of a fossilised dinosaur in 1824 and for demonstrating that Kirkdale Cave in North Yorkshire was once a prehistoric hyena den.

The books contain detailed drawings of ancient fossils and prehistoric creatures, reflecting the early scientific efforts to understand Earth’s geological past. The exact identity of the last borrower remains unknown, but the library service abolished late return fines in 2019, so no penalties will be applied.

Library Response and Significance

Sally Hughes, librarian at Leeds Central Library, commented on the unexpected return:

• The discovery in a charity shop was a surprise given the books’ age and significance.
• It highlights the lasting interest in Rev. Buckland’s work more than a century after it was written.
• Preserving such texts contributes to the library’s archive of evolving scientific knowledge.

The books are currently undergoing condition checks by experts before being returned to the library’s special collections.

Context and Related Events

The return of these volumes coincides with the ongoing Story Explorers exhibition at Leeds Central Library. This free exhibition, co-produced with the British Library, features immersive installations and explores themes including the natural world and space, aiming to engage families and visitors with a variety of books and objects.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer services and community safety, expressed appreciation for the safe return of the books and highlighted the importance of the library’s special collections, which include historic and prestigious texts spanning centuries of research and literature.