With monkey tools by Bozerian. A fine fresh large paper copy in a handsome contemporary binding by Bozerian, of the earliest illustrated monograph on monkeys and Audebert's first original work.

Published in 10 parts, the first two in February and July 1798, the remainder between January and October 1799. Audebert (1759-1800), was born at Rochefort. He studied painting and drawing at Paris. The present monograph, which divided the monkeys into six families, was the more impressive for employing a colour-printing process in which all the colours were printed from one plate and oil paint was substituted for gouache. In developing this new technique, his experience as a distinguished miniature painter was probably important. His interest turned to natural history after a meeting in 1789 with Gigot-d'Orex, a rich amateur collector of specimens. When Audebert died at the young age of 41, his reputation as an artist-naturalist was assured both by the present work and the later Oiseaux dorés (Paris, 1800-1802).

Jean-Claude Bozérian (17962-1840) along with his younger brother, François, were the leading binders of their age, working for Napoleon during the First Empire. At the 1801 Paris Exhibition, Jean-Claude won the bookbinding medal.

First edition; 2 vols in one, folio (52 x 34.5 cm). 63 copper engraved plates, including 61 printed in colour and finished by hand, contemporary veau blond gilt by Bozerian (signed at foot of spine), flat spine with monkey tools in compartments, all edges gilt, a fine copy.

Brunet I, 550; Nissen ZVB, 156; Wood, p. 206.