Woodward, Florence Helen

The Genus Masdevallia.  Issued by the Marquess of Lothian, chiefly from plants in his collection of orchids at Newbattle Abbey … with additional notes by F. C. Lehmann.  London: R. H. Porter, [1890–] 1896

Folio (17 1/2 x 12 1/4 in.; 445 x 311 mm).  87 hand-colored plates drawn and lithographed by the author, one double-page, 67 woodcut vignettes after photographs, double-page map of Central and South America showing distribution, all printed wrappers of the nine parts and instructions to the binder bound in; scattered foxing, generally not affecting plates.  Later full red morocco gilt, spine gilt in six compartments, top edges gilt, marbled endpapers.

Collingwood Lindsay Wood of Freeland (armorial bookplate) — Sir Neville Chamberlain (armorial bookplate; inscription in pencil on an initial blank: "N. C. from G. H. K.  January 1931")

Great Flower Books p. 81; Nissen, BBI 2185; Stafleu TL2 18.284

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.  This scarce monograph was issued in nine parts with each species depicted natural size.  Miss Woodward remarks, "It is no doubt advantageous in botanical work … that the person who makes the original drawing from nature should also lithograph the plates and indicate the colours to be used by the colorist, for, by this means, the work passes through fewer hands and is more likely to turn out accurate.  I have therefore pursued this method throughout the present work, and have, besides, touched up the colouring of every plate sent out, numbering nearly 9,000 …. Of the eighty cultivated species and varieties figured, sixty-three are from the Marquess of Lothian's collection of orchids at Newbattle Abbey" (Introduction).

An important and rare book, being the only work devoted exclusively to this group of South American orchids.