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C.M. Hovey, 1852
Details
The Fruits of America
C.M. Hovey, 1852
HOVEY, Charles Mason (1810-1887). The Fruits of America, Containing Richly Colored Figures, and Full Descriptions of the Choices Varieties Cultivated in the United States. New York & Boston: C.C. Little & Jas. Brown, and Hovey & Co, 1851-1856 [1857].
Rare large paper issue of "the most lavish treatment" of the fruits of America, this copy with 16 additional plates (Stamped with a National Character). "Hovey's work on American fruits was the most lavish treatment of the subject prior to the Civil War. The book was sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, who turned to William Sharp to produce the beautiful series of chromolithographs which illustrate the work. It was issued in parts, beginning in 1847, and thus can claim to be the first major publication illustrated with chromolithographs" (ibid.). Only eighteen copies of the large paper issue were produced. In addition to the two volumes found here, in 1857 Hovey began a third, unfinished volume, for which 16 plates were printed (4 parts, each containing 4 plates). Those plates—described by Bennett as "woefully difficult to find"—are likely what is included here, bound after the second volume: 96 plates are called for and this copy has 112. Bennett p. 59 (quarto issue); Stamped With a National Character 20.
Three volumes bound in one, folio (349 x 262mm). 2 frontispiece portraits and 112 chromolithographs in total (spotting throughout, quite heavy in some places). Three-quarter green morocco and black cloth, all edges gilt (wear at joints, scuffed). Provenance: J.A. Burnham, Jr. (bookplate).
C.M. Hovey, 1852
HOVEY, Charles Mason (1810-1887). The Fruits of America, Containing Richly Colored Figures, and Full Descriptions of the Choices Varieties Cultivated in the United States. New York & Boston: C.C. Little & Jas. Brown, and Hovey & Co, 1851-1856 [1857].
Rare large paper issue of "the most lavish treatment" of the fruits of America, this copy with 16 additional plates (Stamped with a National Character). "Hovey's work on American fruits was the most lavish treatment of the subject prior to the Civil War. The book was sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, who turned to William Sharp to produce the beautiful series of chromolithographs which illustrate the work. It was issued in parts, beginning in 1847, and thus can claim to be the first major publication illustrated with chromolithographs" (ibid.). Only eighteen copies of the large paper issue were produced. In addition to the two volumes found here, in 1857 Hovey began a third, unfinished volume, for which 16 plates were printed (4 parts, each containing 4 plates). Those plates—described by Bennett as "woefully difficult to find"—are likely what is included here, bound after the second volume: 96 plates are called for and this copy has 112. Bennett p. 59 (quarto issue); Stamped With a National Character 20.
Three volumes bound in one, folio (349 x 262mm). 2 frontispiece portraits and 112 chromolithographs in total (spotting throughout, quite heavy in some places). Three-quarter green morocco and black cloth, all edges gilt (wear at joints, scuffed). Provenance: J.A. Burnham, Jr. (bookplate).
Brought to you by
Christina Geiger
Head of Department