Cave Books is a publishing house with interests in nonfiction and fiction having to do with caves, karst and speleology.
Cave Books publishes annual reports, research monographs, full length books, historical reprints and cave maps. Solicitation of manuscripts is an ongoing endeavor and new items are continuously being added to the inventory. Revenue from this effort provides the primary support for many Foundation programs, including the Cave Research Foundation (CRF) Annual Report.
The Cave Research Foundation grew out of efforts of cave explorers working in the Mammoth Cave area of Kentucky in the late 1940's."
Most of CRF's work is conducted on state and federal lands under a national Memorandum of Understanding with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Mammoth Cave was under private ownership before it became a National Park in 1941. For over 85 years, the cave was owned and operated by John Croghan of Locust Grove and his heirs. This is the first comprehensive look into the history of the Mammoth Cave Estate using unpublished information and rarely seen photographs of the Cave Estate from private collections. Maps, drawings, and floor plans of the Hotel and Estate are provided as well as never before seen images of the 1916 Mammoth Cave Hotel Fire aftermath. by Richard Hobart, Bob Thompson, Norman Warnell , Elizabeth Grace Winkler. From Cave Books. 2020. 122 pages, soft bound. From Cave Books.
Joe Lawrence, Jr. and Roger W. Brucker. Hardbound. 6 maps, 318 pp. 6 x 9,. First edition, 1955. In February 1954, under the direction of Joe Lawrence, Jr., the National Speleological Society sent the largest, most highly organized, and best-equipped expedition in the history of American cave exploration into Floyd Collins' Crys- tal Cave, Kentucky. The Caves Beyond is the official account of that expedition. It is a classic American caving story. There is no other caving book like it. "This excellent book is by far the best written on the adventures of exploring a single cave . . . . This is really a terrific book, and if I had to single out the most enjoyable caving book in my library, this would be it." Chuck Pease.
Letters from the Mammoth Cave" provides a fascinating insight into a mid-19th century visit to Mammoth Cave by Alexander Clark Bullitt. Already familiar to many, Bullitt published one of the earliest, illustrated guides to Mammoth Cave in 1845 based on a visit in 1844. But his return in the second half of 1845 is less well-known. Joseph Douglas' collection of Bullitt's letters, published in the New Orleans Picayune in September and October, 1845, provides a fresh and engrossing look at one of the early narratives of the 'Settlers', as Bullitt described his party. Aside from detailed descriptions of the passages through which his party traveled, cave visitors and enthusiasts will be especially taken by Bullitt's description of his party's encounter with Rigg's and Blackman's Domes-the first Europeans to do so, and the first people to leave a record of the exploration. Taken individually Bullitt's letters are engrossing. As a whole they serve as an important account of the 19th century exploration, the early Mammoth Cave and regional tourism industry, and ideas about what would become know as karst science. --Andrew McMichael, WKU 70 pages, soft bound. From Cave Books.
More than a bibliography. Over 3800 entries with introductions by some of the most important authors in the field. Annotations on hundreds of titles. A valuable reference to the world of cave literature. By Northup et al, 538pp, 1998. For anyone interested in caves and karst, this book is worth its weight in gold. It is well organized, easy to use, and very comprehensive (years 1794 -1996). All for a very reasonable price. Material contained runs gamut from serious scientific literature to children's books. It also includes a very extensive geographic index which can be quite helpful to scientists planning an expedition to a new field locality. I have already discovered several books from its lists that I need to purchase. In developing this bibliography, the compilers required that (1) works containing more than 50% foreign language material be excluded, (2) works of fiction be included if some history or non-fiction material is contained, (3) juvenile non-fiction material be included, (4) the work is at least 50% about caves, (5) the field of bats was excluded due to space, and (6) periodical literature was excluded. I would have preferred that Masters theses and Ph.D. dissertations be included, but the careful reader will find a reference to such works for the United States and Canada up to 1988 already listed. As a final point, the editors included their web site so that is any missing references may be easily added. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in cave and karst science or just a general interest in caves.
By Roger W. Brucker. 2009. Like most slaves in early America, Stephen Bishop dreamed of freedom. But when his master brought him to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky in 1838, he found a new obsession--exploring the vast reaches of what would one day be the world's longest cave. Grand, Gloomy, and Peculiar is based on the true story of America's first great cave explorer, whose magnificent discoveries helped pave the way for Mammoth Cave to become a national park a century later. Written from the perspective of his wife, Charlotte, this carefully researched novel combines adventure, history, humor, and romance. Indeed, it is a fascinating tale of two unforgettable slaves whose passion for each other, and for the cave below, made it possible for them to endure an otherwise intolerable existence. "Grand, Gloomy, and Peculiar . . . is one of the best historical novels I have ever read. It educates and captivates. I loved it." --Donald W. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Stan D. Sides. 2007. 22 pp. 61⁄2 x 10.pb The story of a historic show cave adjacent to Mammoth Cave National Park. The cave's profuse glistening formations distinguished it from the lengthy dry passages of Mammoth Cave, leading to its popularity as a visitor attraction for nearly 150 years. The geologic story of Diamond Caverns is identical to that of Mammoth Cave. The sandstone layer capping the Mammoth Cave plateau restricts water flow into the underlying passages. This caprock has eroded away at Diamond Caverns, resulting in deposition of extensive formations in Diamond Caverns. This book, loaded with dozens of beautiful color photographs, outlines the rich history of this remarkable show cave, introduces the geology of the immediate area of the cave, and invites the reader to savor another aspect of the beauty and uniqueness of the Mammoth Cave region. Today, historic Diamond Caverns is the second oldest show cave in the Central Kentucky region, and forth oldest operation commercial cave in the United States. It is located within the Mammoth Cave National Park International Biosphere Reserve.
Colleen O'Connor Olson. 2004. 22 photos. 64 pp. pb. Four thousand years ago, long before modern people set foot in Kentucky, Native Americans ventured into Mammoth Cave's dark passages, lighting the way with reed torches. Who were these ancient people, and why did they risk their lives to enter such a foreboding place? Artifacts such as torch fragments, slippers, baskets, drawings, and even mummified remains of these brave explorers reveal some answers about the prehistoric people who were the ancient world’s greatest cavers. This book takes us into the lives of these ancient people who lived near Mammoth Cave and unravels some of the mysteries of their journeys through the dark passages of the world’s longest cave. Since 1993, Colleen O’Connor Olson has been an interpretive ranger at Mammoth Cave National Park. “A much-needed summary of pre-Columbian exploration in the world’s longest cave: written expressly for the general public . . .” —Patty Jo Watson, author of Archeology of the Mammoth Cave Area
Colleen O'Conner Olson and Charles Hanion. 2002. 7 drawings by Roger W. Brucker. 92 pp. 51/2 x 81/2 As you enter the world's longest cave you cannot help but wonder about scary stories. Two centuries of tourists and explorers--some of whom got lost, saw or heard the unexplainable, or just wanted to tell a good tale--cannot leave a cave without stories. Scary Stories of Mammoth Cave is a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century fiction, historical and more recent first hand accounts of unusual experiences by National Park Service employees, cave explorers, and scientists. "These eerie tales and believable accounts may have you thinking twice be- fore entering a cave and will have you looking back over your shoulder after you arrive." --Troy Taylor, President, American Ghost Society "Scary Stories offers more than simple tales; a feeling of history permeates the pages. It's a nicely produced, well-priced paperback that any caver will enjoy." --Chris Howes, Editor, Descent
Colleen O'Connor Olson. 2004. 22 photos. 64 pp. pb. Four thousand years ago, long before modern people set foot in Kentucky, Native Americans ventured into Mammoth Cave's dark passages, lighting the way with reed torches. Who were these ancient people, and why did they risk their lives to enter such a foreboding place? Artifacts such as torch fragments, slippers, baskets, drawings, and even mummified remains of these brave explorers reveal some answers about the prehistoric people who were the ancient world’s greatest cavers. This book takes us into the lives of these ancient people who lived near Mammoth Cave and unravels some of the mysteries of their journeys through the dark passages of the world’s longest cave. Since 1993, Colleen O’Connor Olson has been an interpretive ranger at Mammoth Cave National Park. “A much-needed summary of pre-Columbian exploration in the world’s longest cave: written expressly for the general public . . .” —Patty Jo Watson, author of Archeology of the Mammoth Cave Area
Edited by Patty Jo Watson. 1997. 49 b/w photos, 73 figures, 54 tables, foldout Mammoth Cave map, circa 1908. 255 pp. 7 x 10 Cavers and archeologists alike will welcome the reprinting of this classic volume presenting results from the first decade of archeological research in the world's longest cave in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky. This book established dark-zone archeology as an essential source of infor- mation on prehistoric lifeways in Eastern North America, and still provides the most detailed evidence available for indigenous, pre-maize agriculture and diet 1,500 years before European contact. "This profusely illustrated book contains 31 chapters arranged in six parts dealing with surface work in Mammoth Cave National Park, Salts Cave archaeol- ogy, Mammoth Cave archaeology, aboriginal use of other caves in the National Park area, and archaeology in Wyandotte Cave, Indiana. Watson concisely sums it all up in chapters on the prehistoric miners and horticulturists of Mam- moth Cave area . . . . one of the most exciting frontiers of Eastern Woodlands archaeology." --Southeastern Archaeology
Sheck Exley. 1994. 16 color, 55 b/w photos, 16 maps. Caverns Measureless to Man is the story of the passion of an extraordinary individual who spent his life exploring underwater caves. For nearly thirty years, Sheck Exley was the leader. He set records, he developed the techniques, and he maintained the highest standards of excellence. Sheck lived a life of adventure, danger, and excitement of a degree that few people can ever dream of; or, if they do, those dreams are nightmares. If you participate on the highest level, you know that some of your best friends are going to die. If you continue to push yourself and your equipment to the limits. If you persist in being a world class diver as Sheck was the chances are very high that you, too, will die. This book may terrify you, but it will unquestionably fascinate you, and in the end, Sheck Exley will convince you that his death came to him in the midst of the incredibly intense joy he took in diving into the depths of the earth.
Rondal R. Bridgeman and Karen B. Lindsley. 1991. 25 b/w photos, 20 maps and illustrations. 62 pp. 81/2 x 11 South China Caves is a very informative and well-illustrated report on the March 1988, joint expedition of the Institute of Karst Geology, the Speleologi- cal Society of South China Normal University, and the Cave Research Founda- tion. This report focuses on the high karst plateau in northern Guangdong Prov- ince, the slope mountain karst within southern Hunan Province, and the mature tower karst area in Guangxi Province of southern China. These areas are rich in caves and have the potential to contain the deepest caves in the world. An overview of the geology of these areas is included along with chapters that cover speleothems, cave fauna, cave management and conservation, karst management, and the background of modern Chinese speleology. Readers will also enjoy Michael Ray Taylor's light-hearted excerpts from his surface diary of the people and places of this area.
Alexander Clark Bullitt. 1985. New introduction by Harold Meloy. 6 engravings, foldout Mammoth Cave map, circa 1845. 134 pp. 5 x 71/2 Rambles in the Mammoth Cave was originally published in 1845. Alexander Clark Bullitt describes the cave as easily accessible, with comfortable local ac- commodations, and as offering safe and pleasurable cave trips for ladies and gentlemen. The book provides beautiful descriptions of the sights in the cave that could be seen by visitors in 1844, and can still be seen by visitors today. It has been a source book for all future guidebooks, and remains a most attractive souvenir for visitors who want to remember their trips into Mammoth Cave. The new introduction by Harold Meloy is based on his many years of histori- cal research on Mammoth Cave. It provides information about the early owners, managers, guides, and visitors to the longest cave in the world. "The physical reproduction of the text is excellent and the binding worthy of the classic this is." ?International Journal of Speleology
C. William Steele. 1985. 41 b/w photos, 15 drawings, 8 maps. 164 pp. 73/4 x 101/4 This is the gripping account of the history and exploration of Mexico's most dangerous and challenging river cave, Sumidero Yochib, located beneath a re- mote valley in the highlands of Chiapas, southern Mexico. The exploration took place from the spring of 1974 through the spring of 1977, and was possible only during a few dry months each winter and spring. It is the story of the almost unbelievable exploits of Steele and his companions while they explored a cave prone to frequent flooding that contains almost two dozen sheer drops as much as forty-five meters deep. Well-drafted maps in each chapter guide the reader through the action taking place, whether it is the near drowning of team members, the horror of being trapped in a flooded cave, or the thrill of being the first one down a waterfall. "It is a precious slice out of speleological history." --Bill Stone, coauthor of Beyond the Deep: The Deadly Descent into the World's Most Treacherous Cave
Crawl into the deepest corners of caves across the world and learn about the wonderfully weird creatures that live their lives in the dark!
Did you know that some creatures that live in the dark have adapted to have no eyes? Or that some dark dwellers have extra long antennae so they can feel their way around their homes? Have you ever seen a troglobite? There many different types of troglobites including the fearless waterfall-climbing cave fish, the mutant Mexican tetra, and the mystifying olm.
Author and illustrator Lindsey Leigh introduces young readers to some of the weirdest and creepiest critters that thrive in the darkest corners of our planet in her uniquely funny and graphic style. This fact-filled book reveals the different ways that creatures of the dark have adapted to thrive in their environments, including slow movement and loss of pigment in their bodies to blend in with their surroundings. Readers will get to know aquatic cave leeches, tailless whip scorpions, cave beetles, the devil's hole pupfish, worms, salamanders, and all kinds of bats.
Discover the Hidden World Inside a Cave is an educational seek-and-find picture book for children ages 6 and up, inviting readers on a thrilling journey deep underground. With each page turn, kids descend further into the mysterious and shadowy world of caves, learning fascinating facts about geology, wildlife, and underground ecosystems along the way.From animals that shelter near the entrance, like black bears, raccoons, and badgers to those that dwell in total darkness, such as bats, spiders, crickets, and cockroaches, young explorers will discover how creatures adapt to life below the surface. They’ll also learn how caves form and the differences between stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone.Designed with thick, peek-inside board pages and whimsical, hand-painted illustrations, the book brings the magic of cave exploration to life. A special final spread highlights some of the world’s most famous caves, including Mammoth Cave, Carlsbad Caverns, Wind Cave, and New Zealand’s glowing worm-lit caverns. With hidden surprises and educational content woven throughout, Discover the Hidden World Inside a Cave sparks curiosity, encourages adventure, and helps children explore the wonders of our natural world from the safety of their reading nook.
Little brown bats do us a big favor. They eat huge numbers of insects! That helps limit the spread of diseases and the damage that insects do to farm crops. But in recent years, large populations of little brown bats have been dying off each winter. Is a virus killing them? Could climate change or pesticides be the cause? Or is it something else? Follow a team of dedicated scientists working to save the little brown bats in this real-life science mystery. By Sandra Markle. Reading level grade 5, but very advanced. 2025 sb.
This is a stunning photographic celebration of the deepest and most challenging caves in the UK. With images from world-class photographers and writing from the original discoverers and explorers, the reader is taken on a remarkable journey through this beautiful and dramatic Welsh cave system. the book also includes first-hand accounts of the epic 52-hour 2021 rescue as well as articles on geomorphology, conservation and cave life.
Cavers explore some of the deepest areas of the Earth, visiting caves to map them and to explore.
But conditions in caves can change quickly. Flash floods and rock falls can trap cavers deep underground. Rescue operations often bring together experts from around the world. Learn how real people have survived being trapped in a cave and made it out alive, from a stranded youth soccer team to trapped miners.
At the end of a warm, dark night in the rainforest, dawn starts to break. Soon, animals will rise to greet the day. But not everyone is waking up. Some animals haven’t even been to bed yet! Small brown bats have been busy all night, swooping and looping through the starry skies. Now it is time for them to settle in among the trees. But one baby bat wants to stay up and play. How will her mother convince her it’s time to close her eyes and go to sleep?
Lyrical text and soft, soothing illustrations show little readers that from bath time to lullabies, getting ready for bed looks very similar for bat babies and human babies alike.
Fascinating scientific facts and photos from the Smithsonian Bat Lab showcase the amazing lives of bats and reveal how they are not so different from humans in their family behavior. 2024 hb, 10 x 10 inches. 32 pages. Grade 1 reading level.
Price: $18.95
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