Sowerby, James

SOWERBY, James English botany; or, Coloured figures of British plants, with their essential characters, synonyms, and places of growth [...]. The second edition, arranged according to the Linnaean method, with the descriptions shortened, and occasional remarks added [- By Charles Johnson]. London by R. Taylor for the proprietor, C.E. Sowerby [1832]-1846 12 vol., 8vo. Text, 12 parts in 4 vol. (some foxing). - Plates (in boxes), 8 vol.: 2,728 pl. (foxing, ms. notes in pencil in French). Same presentation for both the text vol. and boxes: contemp. three-quarter dark brown calf, marbled paper covers, gilt ruled spines with raised bands (used & rubbed, boxes - except one - very def.). Second edition (1st: 1790-1814) of one of the most celebrated British floras. Illustrated with more than 2,700 coloured plates (5 fold.), most of which are drawn and engraved by James Sowerby (1757-1822), English naturalist, artist, engraver and teacher. The formal descriptions of Sowerby in the volumes of text are mostly supplied by James Edward Smith, founder of the Linnean Society. Ed. rearranged by the botanist Charles Johnson (1791-1880), his name appearing first on vol. VIII of text. Ref. Nissen (BBI) 2225. - Cp. Pritzel 8789 & 8792.