Stephens, James Francis

8vo, 12 volumes bound in 9, 94 hand-coloured engraved plates (of 95, see footnote), contemporary green half morocco, t.e.g., some spotting, binding very slightly rubbed

Freeman p.19-20; BMNH 2016; Hagen II, p.194-5; Nissen, ZBI 3994

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

The work is divided into 7 volumes of Mandibulata, 4 of Haustellata and, in this set, a supplement (which was published by Bohn in 1846). This copy is without the final supplemental plate (no.xlvii).

"[Darwin's] first printed words occur... in 1829. Whilst he was an undergraduate at Cambridge, Darwin had sent records of insects that he had captured to James Francis Stephens, and some of these were published in Illustrations of British Entomology. He refers to the pleasure that he got from seeing his name in print against his records of beetles... There are about thirty records bearing Darwin's name, the earliest being in an appendix to Volume II, which is dated June 15, 1829. The localities include Cambridge, North Wales and Shrewsbury" (Freeman, p.19-20).