BLOCH, ÖKONOMISCHE NATURGESCHICHTE DER FISCHE DEUTSCHLANDS. BERLIN: THE AUTHOR, 1783-85

8vo (199 x 115mm.), 3 volumes, 108 hand-coloured plates (some printed in red), old Chinese characters in ink, contemporary boards, rebacked retaining most of original spine labels

J.H. Lietz, signatures; red stamps to tissue guards

Nissen ZBI 415

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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."

Marcus Elieser Bloch (1723–1799) was a German medical doctor and naturalist, who is considered one of the most influential ichthyologists of the eighteenth century. From 1782 and 1795 he published his Allgemeine Naturgeschichte der Fische, an extensive 12-volume work on fishes. The first three volumes, here present, describe fishes in Germany. The remaining volumes covered fishes from other parts of the world and were entitled Naturgeschichte der ausländischen Fische.