The British Noctuae and their Varieties. Vol. I-IV

Description:

Complete in 4 volumes. Lithographed design by F.W. Frohawk to title pages. A classic work on British Lepidoptera and one of the most important nineteenth-century studies of variation in moths. Reflecting J. W. Tutt's keen interest in Darwinian principles of evolution and natural selection, the work systematically documents the remarkable range of colour forms and aberrations found within the British Noctuidae, examining their origin and significance in relation to heredity and environmental influences. Based on extensive original observations, it became a standard reference for lepidopterists and remains an important contribution to the history of entomology and evolutionary biology.

Condition

4 vols, 8vo, orig. pebbled cloth, gt. Vol. I: shaken, hinges cracked and slack; some paper-tape reinforcements to hinges/gutters in several places in Vol. I-III. Ink numbers to spine.

Provenance: The author's well-used set with marginal pencil annotations throughout relating to occurrence, foodplants, habitats, etc. Each volume with a pencil note to endpaper by entomological bookseller, E.W. Classey, 'marginal annotations are in Tutt's handwriting, E.W. Classey'; also a pencil inscription in each volume states, 'C.H. Forsythe Esq. with the Author's compliments, J.W. Tutt'. Also enclosed is a signed manuscript letter, dated December 31st 1889, from H.T. Stainton, regarding an error in supply of back issues of EMM (Entomologist's Monthly Magazine) by McLachlan. A pencil note states that the letter was sent to J.W. Tutt.