A Collection of 1,363 Hand-Colored Botanical Plates

ENGLISH BOTANY; OR, COLOURED FIGURES OF BRITISH PLANTS.

SOWERBY, JAMES, Illustrator. SMITH, JAMES EDWARD.

(London: 1790-1811). 245 x 153 mm. (9 3/4 x 6"). 15 volumes bound in 5; four additional volumes loose without boards. FIRST EDITIONS.

Early 19th century red half calf over marbled paper boards, raised bands, spines with gilt-stamped fleurons, tan and black morocco labels, top edge gilt. WITH A TOTAL OF 1,363 COLOR PLATES by James Sowerby, most hand-colored. Volumes I-XV with an ink ownership inscription to the title of Harriett Ellison, dated 97 (presumably 1897); the first volume additionally with the armorial bookplate of H. Richardson on the front pastedown and an ink inscription on the flyleaf describing the 1890 purchase of the book by Thomas Richardson, Chemist. Volumes XX, XXVIII, XXXI, and XXXII with "Inner Temple" ink stamps throughout. Nissen, BBI 2225; Henrey 1366; Hunt 717. Four volumes loose, one volume with rear board detached, bindings scuffed, dried and abraded, but generally in decent condition. The four loose volumes with (mostly light) dampstains throughout; the other five quite fresh and clean internally, with ample margins and only trivial defects.

This work contains numerous attractive plates that testify to the quality and charm of English botanical illustrations at the turn of the 19th century. James Sowerby (1757-1822) studied painting at the Royal Academy and earned his living painting portraits until disenchantment with the need to please the vanity of his subjects led him to turn instead to plants. (They never complained.) He worked with William Curtis on his "Flora Londinensis" and "Botanical Magazine" before striking out on his own. He met botanist Sir James Edward Smith (1759-1828) through his brother-in-law, and proposed the project that became "English Botany," with Smith providing the letterpress and Sowerby nearly all of the engravings, which are the chief attraction here. "English Botany" was a success from the appearance of the first issue, with the plates receiving the lion's share of the praise. This collection includes volumes I-XV, XX, XXVIII, XXXI, and XXXII. At less than $3 per plate, it is meant to be attractively priced. (ST20176)

Price: $4,000.00