Hello
Private Printing?
I suspect this might be what we call a 'private printing', where a small run of copies are printed and not to be sold and not to be distributed for any financial gain.
They are often gifted to family members interested and those who helped in the research, or gifted to archive institutions who allowed images and information to be reproduced.
Some authors have agreements where any profits go to a charity and the Charity's Archives get a Copy.
Try The Author's Family?
Trace the Author or family members and see if they have one?
Was It A Thesis?
Some might be part of a Thesis for the Author's University Degree, so check at Universities too (not just their Libraries, but Special Collections and Departments the Author's subject came under).
Other Places To Try?
Find Archives, Libraries, Museums and Family History Societies in the Author's hometown and area, also possible areas likely to be covered by the book and ask if they have an Accession Copy you can visit and see.
Despite no ISBN number, anyone seriously researching in detail using actual documentary evidence and publishing a private work or Draft copy worthy of preservation in the UK might donate a copy to the British Library, Bodleian Library, or if applicable National Library of Scotland and/or National Library of Wales.
Stationers Hall, where some older book copies were sent 100 years ago.
Book Publishers?
Some Book Publishers, return or donate unpublished Author's Draft Copies left with them, to their 'Places of Deposit' and Universities.
Genealogical Societies?
The main Genealogical Societies (London and/or Edinburgh) might be gifted copies of a well researched work?
Possible Disappointment After Searching?
After possible years of hunting, expect disappointment too, some people type up a Draft book meticulously, then die and a family member (someone silly and fickle) and only looking for cash, bank books and jewellery, bins thousands of hours of their relative's work, photographs, copies and documents collected as worthless!
Does Author's Will Mention Books and Possible Manuscript?
Check the Author's Will, if they have died and Registered a Will, to see if there is any mention of it.
Mark
