Miller, John

Engraved emblematic frontispiece (bound in first volume), engraved title (bound in second volume), 1 p. list of subscribers, 2 pp. errata at back of second volume, Illustration: 4 engraved plates of leaf forms and 104 other engraved plates in two states (uncolored and finely handcolored; 66 of the handcolored plates also before letters), extra-illustrated with 9 additional plates (each in uncolored and colored states; one of these handcolored plates also before letters), all by and after Miller.

One volume in two, folio (20 3/4 x 14 1/4 in.; 527 x 362 mm). Binding: Contemporary English red straight-grained morocco gilt, spines gilt in eight compartments, covers with wide decorative borders of fillets enclosing drawer-handle roll, decorative cornerpieces, green silk liners with gilt floral borders.



Additional emblematic title foxed, title-page with vertical crease, plates generally clean with occasional spotting. Bindings rubbed, spines and extremities somewhat worn, silk liners faded.

Dunthorne 206; Great Flower Books, p. 68; Henrey 1153; Nissen 1372; Plesch sale 533.

Additional emblematic title foxed, title-page with vertical crease, plates generally clean with occasional spotting. Bindings rubbed, spines and extremities somewhat worn, silk liners faded.
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, with excellent plates in two states, colored and uncolored as issued, of an "immense work of botany wherein the pencil of Miller illustrated, in a style of unprecedented elegance, the sexual system of Linnæus" (J. C. Lettsom, The Memoirs of John Fothergill [1789], p. 106).

An unrecorded issue of the first edition with every plate present in two states. The usual requirement is for 104 plates present in two states and 4 plates in only one state. The present copy includes all 108 plates from the first edition present in two states. The work is further enhanced by the presence of the contemporary addition of the "extra-illustrations." These include the "Tea Plant" plate, also in two states, inserted with the descriptive text leaf in the correct position in Linnæan class XIII in volume I; the 7 "Icones Novæ" plates (dated 1780 in the imprint) in two states; and at the end of the second volume, an unrecorded plate of a climbing lily (Gloriosa Superba), also in two states (the uncolored state on wove paper watermarked "1794," the handcolored state before letters).

The work was issued in 20 parts between 1770 and 1777. According to the list of subscribers 105 copies were ordered by 85 individuals. The uncolored plates invariably included lettering for scientific purposes, while the handcolored plates are often without lettering and the vast majority are printed using a warm brown ink with the intent of making the images more aesthetically pleasing. The plants described and illustrated came in the main from Dr. John Fothergill's famous garden in Upton, Essex. Fothergill was an enthusiastic supporter and indeed superintendent of the work, but refused Miller's attempt to dedicate the work to him. He felt that dedications were "more productive of envy to the patron, than of advantage to the author."

John Miller (1715–1780), born Johann Sebastian Müller in Nuremberg, came to England in 1744 and remained there for the rest of his life.  He was a botanical artist and engraver of considerable repute and came to the attention of the great naturalist Linnæus through the connection of John Ellis. Linnæus had nothing but praise for the artist, stating that the plates were "more beautiful and more accurate" than any he had ever seen.