Hooker. The Botany of the Antarctic Voyage of the H.M. Discovery Ships Erebus and Terror. 1844-1855. 2 volumes in 4

Property of a Gentleman

HOOKER, JOSEPH DALTON

The Botany of the Antarctic Voyage of the H.M. Discovery Ships Erebus and Terror in the Years 1839-1843. [Flora Antarctica and Flora Novae-Zelandiae]. London: Reeve, Brothers, 1844-1855

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes bound in 4, 4to (303 x 226mm.), Flora Antarctica with 200 plates on 187 leaves, Flora Novae-Zelandiae with 130 plates on 127 leaves, many with marginal blindstamp 'Antarctic Expedition, Erebus & Terror', later green half morocco, occasional light marginal dampstaining, Antarctica plate 180 with surface abrasion and repairs

THE FIRST TWO BOTANICAL WORKS RESULTING FROM HOOKER'S FIRST IMPORTANT EXPEDITION, a voyage to the southern oceans with James Clark Ross. Hooker was assistant surgeon aboard Erebus, not wealthy or established enough to self-finance his position on board. Indeed such was his financial state that the plates could only be produced with the support of an Admiralty grant of £1000. From these beginnings, Hooker went on to become director of the Botanic Gardens at Kew.

LITERATURE:

Great Flower Books, p.60; Nissen BBI 908; Stafleu TL2 2964