Barbosa Rodrigues, Joao

2 volumes (24 1/4 x 16 3/4 in.; 617 x 425 mm). Photogravure portrait of the author by Malvaux after Bieber, 174 fine chromolithographed plates by J. Goffin after Barbosa Rodrigues; some foxing, generally not affecting images, occasional wrinkling, closed marginal tear to plate 37 (vol. I), some soiling to margin of plate 91 (vol. I). Plates and text loose as issued in publisher's green alligator pattern cloth portfolios with red pictorial gilt design on upper panel; some minor fraying.

Nissen 1660 (calling for 2 portraits); Stafleu & Cowan TL2 9358 (calling for one portrait only)

FIRST EDITION of a rare work on the palm trees of Brazil in the manner of Carl von Martius's Historia naturalis palmarum. The plates depict whole trees, with charming background details, or exact botanical details.  Joao Barbosa Rodrigues (1842-1909) was one of the most important botanists of South America. His appointment in 1890 as Director of the Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro, now named after him, immeasurably furthered botanical investigation in Brazil.