Edward Donovan | The Natural History of British Quadrupeds, London, 1820, 3 volumes bound in 2

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

Edward Donovan

The Natural History of British Quadrupeds. London: for the author, 1820

FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes bound in 2, 8vo (234 x 140mm.), 72 hand-coloured engraved plates, contemporary green half morocco over marbled boards, gilt edges, gilt lettering to spines, volume 3 first gathering loose, edges lightly rubbed

Edward Donovan was a prolific naturalist whose works on entomology established his reputation. He was an avid collector of natural history specimens, eventually opening a museum to house and exhibit his examples of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and botanical specimens. This work intended to present all the known quadrupeds in the British Isles, both wild and domesticated. Donovan fell on hard times and, in 1818, was forced to sell his natural history collection—the source of much of the content in his publications. 

LITERATURE:

Nissen ZBI 1146

PROVENANCE:

Christopher Turnor (b.1809), Stoke Rochford Library, bookplate; Hermann Marx (1881-1947), bookplate (his library sold at Sotheby's, 19 April 1948, but this book not found in the catalogue)