Details
SOWERBY, James and James Edward SMITH. English Botany, or coloured figures of British Plants, London: George Bell and Sons., 1899. 13 volumes, including supplement, 8°, 1922 hand-coloured aquatints after Sowerby (a few plates loose, mostly in vol. VIII, some, mostly marginal, spotting or browning, occasional light offsetting), contemporary half dark green roan gilt (spines faded and rubbed, extremities lightly rubbed), bookplate of Alfred Capper Pass. Dunthorne 291; Great Flower Books p.76; Henrey III, 1366-8; Stafleu TL2 12.221.
This particular work is one of the most celebrated British Floras, the chief reason for the work's success being the charming engravings by Sowerby. The author Smith, whilst desiring such success, was disappointed in the lack of notice taken of his descriptions which he hoped "...had very widely promoted a love of plants, and a taste for correct and scientific botany". (13)
This particular work is one of the most celebrated British Floras, the chief reason for the work's success being the charming engravings by Sowerby. The author Smith, whilst desiring such success, was disappointed in the lack of notice taken of his descriptions which he hoped "...had very widely promoted a love of plants, and a taste for correct and scientific botany". (13)
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(Sowerby, James and James Edward Smith)
English Botany, or coloured figures of British Plants
Please note that the plates are hand-coloured wood-engravings and not aquatints as stated in the catalogue
English Botany, or coloured figures of British Plants
Please note that the plates are hand-coloured wood-engravings and not aquatints as stated in the catalogue