Parkinson, John.

first edition, folio (335 x 214mm.), woodcut title showing Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, woodcut portrait of Parkinson, 109 full-page woodcuts (all but one botanical), 3 smaller illustrations in the text, the title and botanical woodcuts all coloured by a contemporary hand, contemporary sprinkled calf gilt, central foliate diamond gilt on covers within blind and gilt fillet borders with poppy-head cornerpieces, 2C6 and 3E6 repaired at lower margin extending into text, binding rebacked, restored and repaired, lower joint cracking

Mary Sturt, ownership inscription at foot of title dated 1746; Lettice Morris, ownership inscription at head of title; Evelyn Shirley (1812-1882), antiquary and genealogist; John Rickett, bookplate

Cleveland Herbal 179; Henrey 282; Hunt 215; Nissen BBI 1489; STC 19300

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a coloured copy of "the first work published on english gardening" (ODNB). Parkinson was an apothecary at Long Acre where he tended his garden. He dedicated the book to Queen Henrietta Maria, for which Charles I gave him the title of botanicus regius primarius.

"Part of the charm of the Paradisus lies in the author's love of plants and his sensibility of their beauty, feelings strongly reflected throughout his writing. His book is of interest and value as a record of the state of horticulture in England at the beginning of the seventeenth century" (Henrey 1:164).

The book's title is a pun on the author's name, translating as "Park-in-sun's earthly paradise".