Sweet, Robert

Letterpress title-pages to nos. XXV and L (Volume 1 and 2, respectively) with systematical indices, multiple ads inserted. Illustration: 200 handcolored engraved plates (numbered 1–200) by J. Watts after E. D. Smith (199) and William Prest (1).

50 parts, 8vo (10 x 6 1/2 in.; 254 x 165 mm, uncut except nos. V & XXXVII). Binding: Stab-stitched publisher's printed paper wrappers, housed in two folding cloth cases, green morocco labels. 



Light offsetting to text from some plates, marginal soiling to plate 1, minor foxing to 25 & 37. Some scattered wear and minor soiling to wrappers, particularly to no. I, wrappers to parts V and XXXVII in facsimile.

Cleveland Collections 930; De Belder sale 354; Dunthorne 296; Great Flower Books, p. 143; Nissen 1925; not in Stafleu & Cowan.

Light offsetting to text from some plates, marginal soiling to plate 1, minor foxing to 25 & 37. Some scattered wear and minor soiling to wrappers, particularly to no. I, wrappers to parts V and XXXVII in facsimile.
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 in the scarce original parts of Sweet’s practical guide to the cultivation of many of the most beautiful flowering plants then available. 

Each plate shows a single variety and is accompanied by text giving a taxonomic description and instructions for the plant’s cultivation. The work displays a bias towards the tulip family and includes 61 "biblomen" or multicolored varieties. Also included are carnations (19), "picotees" or dianthus (14), pinks (18), ranunculus (38), "Georgianas" or dahlias (6), auriculas (27), polyanthus (2), hyacinths (7), and roses (8). Not included, of course, are any cistus (or rock-roses) or geraniums, both of which were dealt with by Sweet in two earlier monographs (see lot 56).

In addition to the present work, Sweet was author of Hortus Suburbanus Londinensis, London: 1818; Gereniaceae, London: 1820–1830; The Botanical Cultivator, London: 1821; The British Warblers, London: 1823; The British Flower Garden, London: 1823–1829; Cistineae, London: 1825–1830; Sweet’s Hortus Britannicus, London: (1826)–1827; Flora Australasica, London: 1827–1828; and in conjunction with H. Weddell, British Botany, London: 1831.