DONOVAN, Edward (1768-1837)
Lot 154

DONOVAN, Edward (1768-1837)

An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of India, and the Islands in the Indian Seas. London: for the author, Messrs. Rivington and others, 1800-[1804].

Closed12 July 2023

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DONOVAN, Edward (1768-1837)
An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of India, and the Islands in the Indian Seas. London: for the author, Messrs. Rivington and others, 1800-[1804].
First edition of Donovan's early study of Indian insects. As the full title informs this volume is ‘comprising upwards of two hundred and fifty figures and descriptions of the most singular and beautiful species, selected chiefly from those recently discovered, and which have not appeared in the works of any preceding author, the figures are accurately drawn, engraved, and coloured, from specimens of the insects; the descriptions are arranged according to the system of linnaeus; with references to the writings of Fabricius, and other systematic authors’. Nissen ZBI 1144.

Quarto (287 x 227mm). 58 hand-coloured engraved plates by Donovan, some heightened with gum arabic, with the errata slip pasted in (very light occasional finger-soiling, some light spotting to later plates, plate 22 with tiny marginal tear). Slightly later black half calf and marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt (extremities rubbed, calf on spine starting to tear away). Provenance: Janson & Sons (book dealer stamp to inside cover).