Here's another interesting way to view the past. Every year prestigious London-based auctioneer Bonham's transforms its salesroom into the eccentric atmosphere of a Gentleman's Library. They hold sale of curious objects and furniture associated with English Gentlemanly interests and leisure pursuits. The intriguing world of the 19th century British gentleman was the subject of Bonham's latest auction. The Gentleman's Library sale features an eclectic collection of taxidermy, smoking and drinking implements, artwork and scientific tools, in addition to the usual desks, bookcases and leather chairs.The sale is split into two sections. The first, shown here, focuses on natural history items collected during the Victorian and Edwardian era.Robert Bleasdale, director of Bonham's, said, "In the 19th century and Edwardian era when really to be a gentlemen you had not only done military service and been taught to draw and do water colours and that kind of thing but the Darwin era when people were very interested in science and history and science and history together and coming into people forming their own collections of natural objects to gain a better understanding of natural science."Stuffed animals including exotic birds and mammals highlight the Edwardian gentleman's fascination with hunting and exploration. One of the most interesting is a taxidermy group called 'The Trial of A Rat for the Murder of A Chick".This animal courtroom scene includes a rat, a cockerel, owls and a hedgehog acting out the drama. It is expected to raise around 10,000 pounds at the sale. With so many interesting items the sale really does offer something for everyone.Robert Bleasdale, director of Bonham's, said, "I hope everyone would find something of interest no matter what their particular field was but I think my particular favourite is the which is the bookcase was presented to George III by his lawyer Peter Still which is very nice to have as a documented thing. There are the royal standards which you can see on the way in but I think there are a whole range of things that would suit any taste."The items were collected over a year from estates and private collections across the UK. And this unique event attracts buyers from all over the world. Now in its third year Bonham's Gentleman's Library sale looks set to remain firmly on the antique calendar offering a fascinating glimpse into a past era.