Magazin fur die Liebhaber der Entomologie. Erster[-Zweyter] Band

Description:

First edition. Scarce. An important early entomological periodical, complete in two volumes, edited by the Swiss entomologist, artist and publisher Johann Caspar Fuessly (1743-1786). Published at a formative period in the development of systematic entomology, shortly after the establishment of Linnaean nomenclature, the Magazin brought together new observations, critical notices of recently published works, and information on the taxonomy, biology and life histories of insects.

The contents provide a valuable survey of contemporary European entomology. Fuessly was an important figure in eighteenth-century Swiss entomology and an early exponent of Linnaean classification; his publications helped disseminate new observations and taxonomic information among the growing community of European insect collectors and naturalists. Illustrated with fine engraved plates of insects by the celebrated Swiss natural-history artist Johann Rudolf Schellenberg, several finely hand-coloured.

One of the relatively early periodical publications devoted specifically to insects, preserving contemporary commentary on some of the major entomological works of the later eighteenth century. In 1782 Fuessly continued the periodical under the title Neues Magazin fur die Liebhaber der Entomologie.

Horn Shenckling 7202.

Condition

2 vols bound in 1, 8vo, contemporary half calf, worn, chipped with some loss to head of spine, boards rubbed, longitudinal crease to tight-back spine, with a corresponding internal crack between gatherings, but holding firm. Neat contemporary marginal ink annotations to the plates and occasionally to the text. Some light browning throughout. Good.