The naturalist's library

Edinburgh, London [et al.]: W. H. Lizars, 3, St. James' Square, et al., n.d., 1845. Second edition, small 8vo, 40 volumes, contemporary quarter green morocco over marbled boards, gilt-paneled spines in 5 compartments, gilt-lettered direct in 2; some scuffing and wear to the extremities, otherwise a very good, sound set. Bookplate of James Mead, Curator Emeritus of Marine Mammals at the Smithsonian. Comprising Birds in 14 volumes; Mammals in 13 volumes; Insects in 7 volumes; and Fish in 6 volumes; each volume with engraved portrait and half-title, plus 1,237 (of approximately 1,271) natural history plates, mostly hand-colored; plates are fine and very (truncated) attractive. "In addition to the description and depiction (mostly finely coloured plates) by various well-known contributors to almost the whole range of the subject, the series is supplemented by biographies of famous naturalists of all times and all countries … It is well described as a remarkable little library of early nineteenth zoology, as well as a brief account of the lives of the chief zoologists of all time" (Casey Wood). Zimmer, p. 326; Nissen 4708. For a detailed history of the publication of The Naturalist's Library, detailed plate counts, etc. see also "War and Peace in Natural History Publishing: The Naturalist's Library, 1833-1843," in Isis, 1981, vol. 72, no. 1, p. 50-72, by Susan Sheets-Pyenson. (Inventory #: 59904)