DIETER SCHIERENBERG BV

39. Milne-Edwards, H. (Cuvier, G.)
Les Zoophytes, avec un atlas. 2 parts in one. Paris, Fortin, Masson,
(1850). 160 pp., 2 engraved title-pages and 103 (on 100) mostly handcoloured
or tinted engravings. New half calf in period style with
contemporary marbled boards and calf corners. $ 2250
= Rare in a coloured state. The Zoophytes volume from the so called “Disciples
edition” of Cuvier’s Regne Animale. This was a quarto sized edition of 10 text
volumes and 10 atlases, and is the most sought-after edition nowadays because of its
delicate plates. In this volume they show, among others, starfish, jellyfish and other
aquatic life. A nice copy. Plate 19 not published. A few plates with marginal foxing.
Although the binding is not original, it is nicely executed in an old style. Nissen ZBI,
1014 (under Cuvier - Le règne animal, part 10). Nissen incorrectly quotes 101 plates.
Some minimal occasional foxing, but never distracting. Overall a very good copy
with some great plates.
40. Mordant de Launay [J. C.], Loiseleur-Deslongchamps [J. L. A.]
Herbier général de l’amateur, contenant la description, l’histoire,
les propriétés et la culture des végétaux utiles et agréables. Paris:
Audot (1816-1827). 8vo. 8 vols. Half-title and title to each volume.
(1) [6], viii pp. 72 plates (1-72); (2) [8] pp., 70 plates (73-142), (3), 73
plates (143-212, 171bis, 172bis, 199bis), (4) [8] pp., 72 plates (213-284),
(5) [8] pp., 72 plates (285-356), (6) 72 plates (357-428), (7) [8] pp., 72
plates (429-500), (8) [8,8],8 pp. 72 plates (501-572); in total 575 handcoloured,
tissue-guarded plates with accompanying descriptive text
leaves (complete). The numbers 171 and 172 have been used twice and
are listed as 171bis and 172bis in the Errata to vol 3. Plate 199bis is a
true bis-plate, 199 is a double-sized folding plate. Plate 384 is present
here, which is very rarely seen in other sets. All volumes in matching
contemporary half calf over pebbled boards (some rebacked), spines
with uniform gilt lines and gilt title. $ 27,000
= “The most important French Flower Periodical of its day” (J. J. White, in Delectus
Hunteriana 26), started by de Launay, and after his death in 1816 continued and
completed by Deslongchamps. The plates are after paintings by Pancrace Bessa
(1772-1835), painter at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle Nationale in Paris and
pupil of Redouté. The accompanying text gives the generic and specific description,
synonymy, origin, history, characteristics and use, medical, ornamental or otherwise,
of each of the illustrated plants and flowers, as well as a description of the plate
figures. Stafleu & Cowan only quotes 574 plates and state that plate 384 was never
published, but we have it as “Dianthus caryophyllus, var. nommée l’OEillet des
bois”. Index to volume 6 absent. Some, mostly marginal light browning and spotting
to some leaves and tissue guards. Bindings show some wear and small repairs, but
overall this set is in very good condition. The colouring of the plates is exceptionally
realistic, bright and vivid. Nissen BBI 2323; Stafleu & Cowan 4952.