The Papilios of Great Britain, Systematically arranged, accurately engraved, and painted from Nature, with the Natural History of each Species, From a close Application to the Subject, and Observations made in different Counties of this Kingdom; as well a

Description:

Parallel text English/French. Second issue. The first issue was entitled 'The Insects of Great Britain' and was intended to be the first volume of a comprehensive work on British Insects. Lewin died in 1795 after only the first volume had appeared. The second issue has a new title page and the type in the text of the last gathering has been reset with the words 'The End' in place of 'End of the First Volume', otherwise the issues are identical. The figures engraved from the subjects themselves, by the author.

William Lewin (fl. 1791-c.1795) 'devoted much of his time to the study of natural history and published two works, on the birds and insects of Great Britain … which were engraved and coloured by himself.' (Lisney, p. 286). His text on the title-page suggests that he reared many species from their early stages over a period of thirty years. 'The Papilios of Great Britain' is the first illustrated book solely devoted to British, or more precisely, English butterflies. Lewin's illustrations are noted for their accuracy compared to entomological works from earlier in the century.

[Lisney, 411; Peter Marren, 'Rainbow Dust', p 90; Dunbar, 'British Butterflies', p 67]

Condition

4to, later half morocco, raised bands and gt rules to spine, some rubbing/minor wear to extremities. There is very little oxidation of the white pigment which is often found on several of the plates of white butterflies. A clean and attractive copy.