Barton, William P. C.

Half-titles, "To Subscribers" leaf in vol. 2. Illustration: 106 handcolored stipple-engraved plates (numbered 1–57, 57, 59–87, 89–92, 92–106; 2 folding) including some partially printed in colors and finished by hand, from drawings by the author, by Cornelius Tiebout (29), G.B. Ellis (32), F. Kearney (23), J. Boyd (7), J. Drayton (6), C. Goodman (6), Jacob J. Plocher (2), and J. L. Frederick (1).

3 volumes, 4to (10 1/2 x 8 1/2 in.; 268 x 212 mm). Binding: Expertly bound to style in red half morocco, preserving original marbled paper–covered boards, spine gilt in six compartments. 



Occasional light browning or spotting as usual (particularly vol. 3), some light offsetting, a few expert repairs to marginal tears. Boards scuffed, with some minor soiling. 

De Belder sale 14; Dunthorne 26; Great Flower Books, p. 73; Nissen 84; Plesch sale 33; Pritzel 446; Reese, American Color Plate Books 11; Sabin 3858; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 326

Occasional light browning or spotting as usual (particularly vol. 3), some light offsetting, a few expert repairs to marginal tears. Boards scuffed, with some minor soiling.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The first American Flora, including the rare "To Subscribers" leaf in volume two. 

In addition to its significance as a botanical work, Barton's Flora is also one of the most important early color-plate books produced entirely in the United States. Barton, a distinguished botanist who taught at the University of Pennsylvania, employed the Philadelphia engraver Cornelius Tiebout to make the plates after his drawings. The text gives details of each species, its Latin binomial, common name, and class according to the Linnaean system, followed by information about the history of the discovery of the species, and details about its geographical range.  

The present set is particularly desirable for two reasons: first, it includes the rare "To Subscribers" leaf occasionally found in the second volume, here bound between pp. 42 and 43. Second, it includes an early issue of the plates in volumes two and three: as demonstrated by the misnumbering of the plates. A correctly numbered plate was certainly issued for volume two and, apparently, corrected plates were also issued for volume three, as Great Flower Books notes that only "some copies" have this.