Catesby, Mark

Hortus Europæ Americanus; or, a Collection of 85 Curious Trees and Shrubs, the Produce of North America; adapted to the Climates and Soils of Great-Britain, Ireland, and most Parts of Europe, &c. Together with Their Blossoms, Fruits, and Seeds; Observations on their Culture, Growth, constitution and Virtues, with Directions how to Collect, Pack Up, and Secure then in their Passage.  London: for J. Millan, 1767



4to (14 1/2 x 12 in.; 368 x 305 mm).  17 fine handcolored etched plates after and by Catesby, 2 with single subjects, the remaining 15 depicting 4 subjects each; offsetting from plates to text, some foxing and browning to text and endleaves.  Half calf, marbled boards;  boards worn, some scuffing to calf. 

John Lancaster (armorial bookplate) — Herbert Watney, M.D., Buckhold, Berks. (bookplate) — Mrs. C. G. Painter, Jr. (inscription in pencil)

Cleveland/Johnston 462; Henrey 545; Hunt 578; Nissen, BBI 338; Oak Spring Sylva 15; Pritzel 1603; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 1058

4to (14 1/2 x 12 in.; 368 x 305 mm). 17 fine handcolored etched plates after and by Catesby, 2 with single subjects, the remaining 15 depicting 4 subjects each; offsetting from paltes to text, some foxing and browning to text and endleaves. Half calf, marbled boards; boards worn, some scuffing to calf.
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.

First edition, second issue, with the 1767 title-page.  Catesby's study of American trees was also intended to serve as a nursery catalogue for their sale, and his preface emphasizes the wonderful diversity of the New World sylva, as well as his own familarity with it. 

One of the full-page plates is Catesby's own re-engraving of the magnolia done by G. D. Ehret for The Natural History of Carolina.  The other plates of Hortus Europæ Americanus are also "closely related to the larger ones of The Natural History of Carolina, but they are not identical, though they seem to be based on the same preliminary material.  The text is also related to the Natural History, but since the Hortus concentrated on plants there was room for more detailed information in the descriptions and the directions for cultivation" (Oak Spring Sylva). 

Scarce.