THE SMALE COLLECTION: BEAUTY IN NATURAL CRYSTALS (Hardback)

Published by Lithographie in 2006, The Smale Collection: Beauty in Natural Crystals is a spectacular illustrated guide to the remarkable aesthetic collection assembled by Steve and Clara Smale – justifiably regarded as one of the finest private mineral collections ever assembled. Himself a critically acclaimed mathematician, Steve Smale, supported by his wife, began their collecting journey in 1969. The 100 high quality colour photographs present just a fraction of the stunning crystallized specimens within their collection, and yet this glimpse immediately shows what a remarkable job they have done. With text written by Steve Smale, and edited by Gloria Staebler and Gunther Neumeier, the context of why and how they acquired individual specimens is presented, as well as their overall focus for the collection. Designed as a ‘coffee-table’ style book, this important, dare I say iconic book, for collectors of fine minerals has aged little in its quality. 203 printed pages. Hardback. Used, in good overall condition, but with scuffs to the printed hardback cover. Internally very good. *Product image is a representation only. Actual cover design and condition may vary.