L’Obel, Matthias de

2 volumes bound in one, folio (298 x 200mm.), first work with title within architectural woodcut border, woodcut device of Lobel, and 1471 woodcuts in text (Johnston’s count), with the three cancel woodcuts as detailed by Hunt; second work with variant title within a fine architectural woodcut border and 315 woodcuts in text, including the 3 cancels and two tipped in as detailed by Hunt, contemporary blindstamped pigskin over wooden boards, with initials “A.C.R.” and dated 1583 on upper cover, binding rebacked to style, lacking clasps

contemporary inscription on title recording the purchase of the volume for six thalers; University of Breslau, duplicate stamp on verso of title; Ludolph Christian Treviranus (1779-1864), signature on front pastedown (Treviranus was a pioneer in the study of cellular structure and plant anatomy; see DSB XIII pp. 462-3); F. Em. Boutineau, bookplate dated 1900

Durling 2829; Hunt 126 and 127; Johnston, Cleveland Herbal 114 and 115; Nissen BBI 1218; Stafleu TL2 4907; Voet 1578 (pp.1406-1409: This volume contains four parts: I, IIA (with title from IIB), IV & III, index for IIA at end).

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A fine copy, comprising the first edition of Lobel’s Stirpium observationes and De succedaneis, imitatione Rondeletii, accompanied by the Plantin reissue of the Nova stirpium adversaria (first issue London 1570), with additional material including the first illustration of the tobacco plant.

These two volumes contain Lobel’s efforts towards developing a system of plant classification based on leaf-form, which was far in advance of other systems then in use.

The Nova stirpium adversaria was first published in 1570. Plantin purchased sheets of about 800 copies and reissued them with new material added, including the tobacco plant illustration. This copy contains Voet's variant A of "Stirpium adversaria nova", with the additional leaf Pp7 (but with the variant B title page and dedication); the Variant A index is bound at the end.