Bolus, Harry

Icones Orchidearum Austro-Africanarum Extra Tropicarum; or Figures, with Descriptions, of Extra-Tropical South African Orchids.  London: Wesley, 1893-1913 — The Orchids of the Cape Peninsula. Cape Town: Darter Brothers, 1918

5 volumes, 8vo (9 1/2 x 5 3/4 in.; 245 x 145 mm). Icones: 3 volumes in 4. Frontispiece portrait of the author in vol. 2, 300 lithographed plates, most partially handcolored. Green cloth lettered gilt on upper covers and spines, brown- and grey-coated endpapers; lettering on spines slightly faded, endpapers renewed in vols. 2-3, a few hinges cracked. Orchids of the Cape Peninsula: 119 plates on 117 leaves; title-page and a few plates toward the end lightly foxed. Green cloth lettered gilt on front cover and spine.

Icones: C.B. Clarke (presentation inscription by the author) —  Royal Colonial Institute Library (purchase note dated 1907, library stamps, withdrawl stamp dated 1981). Cape Peninsula:  Phyllis A. Don (bookplate)

Icones: Nissen BBI 197; Stafleu TL.2 625

5 volumes, 8vo (9 1/2 x 5 3/4 in.; 245 x 145 mm). Icones: 3 volumes in 4. Frontispiece portrait of the author in vol. 2, 300 lithographed plates, most partially handcolored. Green cloth lettered gilt on upper covers and spines, brown- and grey-coated endpapers; lettering on spines slightly faded, endpapers renewed in vols. 2-3, a few hinges cracked. Orchids of the Cape Peninsula: 119 plates on 117 leaves; title-page and a few plates toward the end lightly foxed. Green cloth lettered gilt on front cover and spine.
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, presentation copy of Icones Orchidearum, volume 1 (parts 1-2) inscribed: "To C. B. Clarke | With Kind regards | from the Author | Kew Aug. 1893." The plates were accurately drawn from living orchid specimens by H. and F. Bolus. The third volume was published after the author's death and was edited by F. Bolus, retaining succinct descriptions identifying each species. Charles Baron Clarke was a Briitish botanist who spent many years in India and wrote several books on Indian plants. The Orchids of the Cape Peninsula is a second edition.