Skip to content
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED | EXPERT ADVICE
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

The Natural History of British insects.

Stock Code 104183

London, for the author and for F. and C. Rivington, 1796-1813.

Original price $9,588.00 - Original price $9,588.00
Original price $0.00
$9,588.00
$9,588.00 - $9,588.00
Current price $9,588.00
With over 500 hand-coloured plates. The work that established Donovan's reputation. Each volume contains high quality plates illustrating the life-cycles of the insects, which he often drew from life. It was initially intended to consist of 10 volumes, but he later added a further six.

Edward Donovan (1768-1837) was an avid collector of natural history specimens purchased mainly at auctions of specimens from voyages of exploration. He was a fellow of the Linnean Society and the Wernerian Society which gave him access to the best collections and libraries in London. It was quite common for private collectors to open small public museums, and in 1807 he founded the London Museum and Institute of Natural History.

16 vols in 8 complete set, 8vo, 576 hand-coloured copper plates, some upper hinges split but still firm, some light offsetting and sporadic foxing, mostly light but heavier in a few instances and in the main, not affecting plates; contemporary green morocco gilt, all edges gilt, a very handsome set.

Nissen, ZBI 1142.
Provenance

Provenance: Aldenham House, Herts (armorial bookplate).

Delivery

We offer secure and express delivery on all local and international orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website.

About us

Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.

Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.

We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

Read more

Ask us a question

The Natural History of British insects.

DONOVAN, Edward.

Stock code: 104183

$9,588.00

THE BOND STREET EXPERIENCE

An exceptional experience in the heart of London’s Mayfair for not only seasoned collectors but those considering purchasing their first rare book or print.

Guaranteed Authenticity
GUARANTEED AUTHENTICITY
International Delivery
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Meet Our Booksellers
MEET OUR BOOKSELLERS
Free Gift Wrapping
FREE GIFT WRAPPING

BOOK COLLECTING IDEAS

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Basket