Elwes, Henry John

A Monograph of the Genus Lilium. [London: Printed by Taylor & Francis], [1877-] 1880

Folio (21 7/8 x 15 in.; 555 x 381 mm). 48 hand-colored lithographed plates by W. H. Fitch, one photograph, one colored map; some marginal foxing to the photograph, an occasional marginal finger smudge or light spot to plates. Contemporary dark green morocco, gilt ruled in a panel design, spine richly gilt, top edge gilt, dentelles, by S. Kaufmann; joints and extremities rubbed, a few scrapes.

Edmund Waller (engraved armorial bookplate)

Great Flower Books, p. 56; Nissen BBI 594; Stafleu TL2, 1664

some marginal foxing to the photograph, an occasional marginal finger smudge or light spot to plates. Contemporary dark-green morocco, gilt ruled in a panel design, spine richly gilt, top edge gilt, dentelles, by S. Kaufmann; joints and extremities rubbed, a few scrapes.
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. Elwes (1846-1922) devoted his life to natural history and travel, and first became interested in lilies on a visit to the Himalayas. His monograph remains an authoritative work on that subject, although the strictly botanical parts of the work were done by J. G. Baker. A supplement in 9 parts appeared in 1933-1962.