The Gardens and Menagerie of the Zoological Society Delineated. Vol. I: Quadrupeds

Description:

Vol. I (of II), a second volume on Birds was also published, but is not present here. Originally published in parts in 1830 by Thomas Tegg & N. Hailes (Vol. I), unsold stock of the completed work were bought by Charles Tilt and reissued with new titles in 1831. Very rare issue printed on India Paper. One of very few copies to be printed on India Paper, (the 2-volume set was advertised by Tilt at 48s (cf. 24s for the regular issue)). The charming woodcut illustrations are credited to William Harvey, but several other artists also contributed, and this volume includes one of Edward Lear's earliest published illustrations ('White-fronted lemur', Vol. I, p. 299, bearing the artist's 'EL' monogram). The work was well received when first published and a review in the Gentleman's Magazine of 1830 states, 'There is perhaps not a volume to be seen in the present publishing age surpassing the present in all its departments of execution. The paper, typography and embellishments, and the literary matter, are all entitled to the approbation of the fastidious critic.'

Nissen ZBI 314; Freeman 277; Casey Wood p. 231.

Condition

8vo (230x150mm), orig. publisher's green morocco-backed, paper covered boards, gilt titling to spine, lighlty rubbed, teg. Very good.