DONOVAN, Edward (1768-1837)
An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of China: comprising figures and descriptions of upwards of one hundred new, singular, and beautiful species. London: for the author by T. Bensley, 1798[-1799].
First edition of Donovan's early study of Chinese insects, republished by Bohn in 1842. Each plate is accompanied by a leaf of text providing further information on the species of insect. Brunet II, 816; Nissen ZBI 1143.
Quarto (283 x 221mm). 50 hand-coloured engraved plates by Donovan (occasional finger-soiling and offsetting, plate 28 with 83mm closed tear). Contemporary green calf gilt and marbled boards, spine decorated in gilt with red calf label decorated in gilt, marbled edges (extremities rubbed, heaviest to foot of spine).
DONOVAN, Edward (1768-1837)
An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of China: comprising figures and descriptions of upwards of one hundred new, singular, and beautiful species. London: for the author by T. Bensley, 1798[-1799].
First edition of Donovan's early study of Chinese insects, republished by Bohn in 1842. Each plate is accompanied by a leaf of text providing further information on the species of insect. Brunet II, 816; Nissen ZBI 1143.
Quarto (283 x 221mm). 50 hand-coloured engraved plates by Donovan (occasional finger-soiling and offsetting, plate 28 with 83mm closed tear). Contemporary green calf gilt and marbled boards, spine decorated in gilt with red calf label decorated in gilt, marbled edges (extremities rubbed, heaviest to foot of spine).
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