Hovey, Charles Mason

The Fruits of America, containing Richly Colored Figures, and Full Descriptions of All the Richest Varieties Cultivated in the United States.  Boston and New York: Little and Brown, et. al, [1852–] 1856



2 volumes, folio (13  1/2  x 10 in.; 343 x 254 mm).  2 lithographed portrait frontispieces (Hovey and Sharp) on chine collé, title-page vignettes by A. Roberts, 96 fine chromolithographed plates on chine collé by William Sharp, numerous text illustrations of trees, leaves and fruit; frontispieces detached and with marginal chipping, small MHS inked stamp on each plate, occasional scattered foxing and spotitng, generally not affecting plates.  Black morocco gilt, spines gilt in six compartments, edges gilt; spines and extremities worn and rubbed.

Bennett p. 59; Nissen, BBI 941 (8vo issue); Oak Spring Pomona 61 (4to issue)

2 vols., folio (13 1/2 x 10 in.; 343 x 254 mm). 2 lithographed portrait frontispieces (Hovey and Sharp) by on chine collé, title-page vignettes by A. Roberts, 96 fine chromolithographs on chine collé by William Sharp, nuumerous text illustrations of trees, leaves and fruit; frontispieces detached and with marginal chipping, small MHS inked stamp on each plate, occasional scattered foxing and spotitng, generally not affecting plates. Black morocco gilt, spines gilt in six compartments, edges gilt; spines and extremities worn and rubbed.
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.

A large-paper copy of the first extensive monograph with color plates devoted to American fruit.  In addition to the two volumes found here, Hovey also issued three parts for a third, unfinished volume. 

The beautiful mounted chromolithographs, finely executed by one of America's great chromolithographers, William Sharp, describe a variety of apples, pears, cherries, plums, and berries.  "The book has a place in in the history of American printing as well as American pomology" (Oak Spring Pomona).  The great care taken in the production of the plates may account for the fact that this costly enterprise was never completed.  Some of Sharp's fruit prints also appeared in the first issue of Transactions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society  in 1847.

C. M. Hovey (1810–1887) was a nurseryman in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the editor of the popular and long-running Magazine of Horticulture.