Warner, Robert and Benjamin S. Williams

Select Orchidaceous Plants, First [-Second] Series. London: Lovell Reeve & Co., 1874; 1865-1875

Two volumes, folio (17 1/2 x 12 3/4 in.; 445 x 324 mm). Half-title in each volume, 40 & 39 hand-colored lithographed plates by and after W.H. Fitch and James Andrews; a few plates lightly browned, occasional light marginal spotting or soiling, a few tiny edge tears, mended tear in one leaf of prelims. Publisher's green pebbled cloth, gilt-stamped title on upper cover with floral stamps at four corners, edges gilt; rebacked, extremities worn.

Great Flower Books, p. 80; Nissen BBI 2108; Stafleu TL2 16.742

a few plates lightly browned, occasional light marginal spotting or soiling, a few tiny edge tears. Publisher's green pebbled cloth, gilt-stamped title on upper cover with floral stamps at four corners, edges gilt; rebacked, extremities worn.
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.

Robert Warner (c. 1815-1896) was a British orchid grower at Chelmsford. He began this series because he claimed there had been no recent publication illustrating orchids "on a scale at all commensurate with their natural grandeur." This is the first two (of three) series, originally issued in parts (1862-1865 and 1865-1875). Here the first series is issued with a new title-page.