.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Illustrations of Natural History; wherein are exhibited upwards of two hundred and forty figures of exotic insects. London: by the Author, 1770-82.
Details
DRURY, Dru (1725-1803)
Illustrations of Natural History; wherein are exhibited upwards of two hundred and forty figures of exotic insects. London: by the Author, 1770-82.
A fine copy of this important entomological work. Drury's Illustrations of Natural History presents over 240 insects, the majority previously unknown to the Western world, and is particularly noted for its exquisite hand-coloured plates, which display notable scientific and artistic aspects. A silversmith and naturalist, Drury nurtured his early love of insects, studying entomology and forming his own fine collection of specimens, advertising for exchange or purchase through foreign papers. His collection became well known, one cabinet alone with 11,000 insects. Nissen ZBI 1160.
Three volumes, large quarto (310 x 244mm). Text in English and French, tipped in erratum on f2, one uncoloured schematic engraved plate and 147 (of 150) hand-coloured engraved plates mostly by and after Moses Harris, 2 plates by P. Mazell after M. Garlside (vol I. lacking index, vol. III lacking plate 16, 30 and 31, index page bound at front and with heavy soiling to D1, occasional finger-soiling and light spotting throughout all volumes, plates overall very fresh). Vols. I and II in modern brown polished half calf and blue boards, spines with red morocco label lettered and edged in gilt, and with repeated decoration stamped in blind, vol. III in original publisher’s boards, all volumes uncut (vol. III, extremities rubbed, lacking back strip, the whole becoming detached).
Illustrations of Natural History; wherein are exhibited upwards of two hundred and forty figures of exotic insects. London: by the Author, 1770-82.
A fine copy of this important entomological work. Drury's Illustrations of Natural History presents over 240 insects, the majority previously unknown to the Western world, and is particularly noted for its exquisite hand-coloured plates, which display notable scientific and artistic aspects. A silversmith and naturalist, Drury nurtured his early love of insects, studying entomology and forming his own fine collection of specimens, advertising for exchange or purchase through foreign papers. His collection became well known, one cabinet alone with 11,000 insects. Nissen ZBI 1160.
Three volumes, large quarto (310 x 244mm). Text in English and French, tipped in erratum on f2, one uncoloured schematic engraved plate and 147 (of 150) hand-coloured engraved plates mostly by and after Moses Harris, 2 plates by P. Mazell after M. Garlside (vol I. lacking index, vol. III lacking plate 16, 30 and 31, index page bound at front and with heavy soiling to D1, occasional finger-soiling and light spotting throughout all volumes, plates overall very fresh). Vols. I and II in modern brown polished half calf and blue boards, spines with red morocco label lettered and edged in gilt, and with repeated decoration stamped in blind, vol. III in original publisher’s boards, all volumes uncut (vol. III, extremities rubbed, lacking back strip, the whole becoming detached).
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
No VAT is payable on the hammer price or the buyer's premium for this lot. Please see the VAT Symbols and Explanation section of the Conditions of Sale for further information
Brought to you by
Thomas Venning
Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts