Paxton, Joseph

The Magazine of Botany, and Register of Flower Plants:  London: W. S. Orr, 1841 (Vol. 1); 1836–1849 (Vols. 2–16)

16 volumes, 4to (9 x 6 in.; 230 x 155 mm). Half-titles, 723 hand-colored lithographed plates heightened with gum arabic (25 double-folding), tinted lithographe plate of the Emperor Fountain at Chatsworth, numerous woodcut text illustrations; lacking half-titles in vols. 13, 15–16, some light toning to plates, a few captions shaved or foxed, occasional light foxing. Modern polished biscuit calf, spines gilt with burgundy and green lettering and numbering pieces, marbled endpapers, edges gilt.

Joseph Peel (signature on title-page of vol. 16)

Nissen BBI 2351 (citing 768 plates); Pritzel 7003; Stafleu TL2 7554

16 volumes, 4to (9 x 6 in.; 230 x 155 mm). Half-titles, *** hand-colored lithographed plates heightened with gum arabic, tinted lithographe plate of the Emperor Fountain at Chatsworth; lacking half-titles in vols. 13, 15–16, some light toning to plates, a few captions shaved or foxed, occasional light foxing. Modern polished biscuit calf, spines gilt with burgundy and green lettering and numbering pieces, marbled endpapers, edges gilt.
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, with 1841 reissue of volume 1. The work was issued in monthly parts of which twelve made up a volume. "The parts were issued near the first of each month, each has a roman numeral giving the number of the part at the foot of its first page, while garden operations for the month of issue are described on its last pages; hence, the contents and date of each part can be deduced with little trouble" (Stafleu, quoting W.T. Stearn). In addition to his career as a horticulturist and landscape gardener, Paxton also was an architect and builder of glass structures, of which his most famous construction was the Crystal Palace.