- 38
Michaux, André
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Histoire des chênes de l'Amérique, ou descriptions et figures de toutes les espèces et variétés de Chênes de l'Amérique Septentrionale, Considérées sous les rapports de la Botanique, deleur culture et de leur usage. Paris: De l'imprimerie Crapelet, An IX—1801
- paper, ink, leather
Half-title. Illustration: 36 engraved plates (numbered 1–36) after Pierre Joseph Redouté (32) and Henry Joseph Redouté (4) by A. Plée and L. Sellier.
Folio (17 5/8 x 11 1/2 in.; 449 x 293 mm, plates entirely and text largely uncut). Binding: Near-contemporary French half red morocco over blue-marbled boards, smooth spine gilt-ruled in eight compartments. Red cloth folding-case, red morocco spine label.
Some light browning and spotting, chiefly marginal, to text and plates. Extremities of binding rubbed, some minor repair. Folding-case lightly soiled and dampstained.
Folio (17 5/8 x 11 1/2 in.; 449 x 293 mm, plates entirely and text largely uncut). Binding: Near-contemporary French half red morocco over blue-marbled boards, smooth spine gilt-ruled in eight compartments. Red cloth folding-case, red morocco spine label.
Some light browning and spotting, chiefly marginal, to text and plates. Extremities of binding rubbed, some minor repair. Folding-case lightly soiled and dampstained.
Literature
Aitken, p. 179; De Belder sale, 239; Dunthorne 249; Great Flower Books, p. 119; Hunt Redoutéana 8; MacPhail, André and François-André Michaux 1b; Madol 20; Nissen 1358; An Oak Spring Sylva 18; Plesch sale 529; Pritzel 6194; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 5957
Condition
Some light browning and spotting, chiefly marginal, to text and plates. Extremities of binding rubbed, some minor repair. Folding-case lightly soiled and dampstained.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
A very good copy of Michaux's groundbreaking monograph on American oaks. The French botanist and adventurer André Michaux (1746–1802) traveled from Hudson's Bay to Florida and as far west as the Mississippi River, including an arduous journey into the mountains of western North Carolina. He sent thousands of plants to France, having been directed by his government to collect samples of timber trees and plants that could be used for food or medicine. The work—present here in MacPhail's issue b, with the longer and more thorough text—describes twenty species and sixteen varieties of oaks, with their leaves and acorns brilliantly illustrated by Pierre Joseph and Henri Joseph Redouté. The descriptions present information about size, location, and practical uses of the various species of oak trees for houses, ships, ink, barrels, wheels, various carpentry work, and even firewood.
Michaux, with his son François-André, established nurseries in Hackensack, New Jersey, and Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to introducing many American plants into French horticulture, he introduced or further disseminated a number of plants to the United States, including the azalea, camellia, silk tree, ginko tree, chinaberry tree, and tea olive.