Hooker, William.

First edition, 4to (335 x 255mm.), dedication leaf, 49 hand-coloured aquatint and stipple-engraved plates, contemporary cloth, spine sunned

Robert Adair, 1st Baron Waveney (1786-1869), of Flixton Hall, Norfolk, armorial bookplate

An Oak Spring Pomona, 42; Dunthorne 139; Great Flower Books, p.60; Nissen BBI 913

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."

"One of the finest works of any country is Pomona Londinensis... It is impossible here to convey the beauty and accuracy of these perfectly coloured plates: the texture of the apple with its slight blemishes - to be expected before the days of spraying; the perishable bloom on the plums, not seen in this day of transcontinental shipping; the deeply coloured peach, fully ripened on the wall; all are in this beautiful volume. It might well be re-named La Couronne des Fruits, borrowing part of Redouté's title for his choicest roses" (Dunthorne).

William Hooker (1779-1832), not to be confused with Sir William Hooker, was a botanical artist in the employ of the Horticultural Society of London, to whom the work is dedicated.