William Curtis | The Botanical Magazine, London, 1787-1962, 131 volumes

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

William Curtis

The Botanical Magazine; or, Flower-Garden Displayed. London: Stephen Couchman [later vols: Lovell Reeve & Co.], 1787-1962

bound in 131 volumes, 8vo (234 x 140mm.), comprising volumes 1-158, 160-173, plus 2 index volumes dated 1805 and 1906, numerous plates including hand-coloured engraved plates and chromolithographs, volumes 1-40 in contemporary calf, volumes 41-173 in original cloth, lacking volume 159, early volumes rubbed; sold as a periodical, not subject to return

"The oldest current scientific periodical of its kind with coloured illustrations in the world...in the beauty of production and high standard of its contributions it can claim a unique place" (P. Synge, Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 73 (1948). This substantial collection is notable not only for the longevity of the periodical, but for the detail of its descriptions and drawings, featuring work by leading botanical illustrators.

LITERATURE:

Cleveland Herbal 577; Henrey 472; Hunt 689; Nissen BBI 2350; Stafleu TL2 1290

PROVENANCE:

Kathleen Alice Cuthbert: bookplate