A pair of antique colored engravings from a book, A History of the Earth and Animated Nature Vol 1, by Oliver Goldsmith, 1852. The engravings depict a dog and a bobcat in a landscape. A History of the Earth, and Animated Nature is a fascinating work of natural history. It was first published in 1774 in eight volumes, these volumes brought together a history of the earth with a description of its geographical features and species. Oliver Goldsmith was a novelist, poet and journalist as well as the author of many works of natural history. He is now best known for his 1766 novel, The Vicar of Wakefield. Antique Books, Graphic Art Prints and Collectibles.