CURTIS, John (1791-1862). British Entomology; being illustrations of the genera of insects found in Great Britain and Ireland, London: printed for the author, 1823-1840. 8 volumes, 8° (244 x 148mm.). 769 hand-coloured engraved plates only. (Of 770, lacking subscribers' list, occasional light spotting). Contemporary green half morocco, gilt-lettered spines, top edges gilt, others uncut. (Extremities rubbed). Provenance: Thomas A. Nelson (bookplates). FIRST EDITION. Brunet II, 447; Freeman p.98; Nissen ZBI 1000. (8)