Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Étienne, and Frédéric Cuvier

Histoire naturelle des mammifères, avec des figures originales, coloriées, dessinées d'après des animaux vivans. Paris: A. Belin (vols. 1–6) and A. Blaise (vol. 7), [1818–] 1824–1842



7 volumes, folio (20 1/4 x 13 3/4 in.; 512 x 334 mm). 432 fine handcolored lithographed plates after J. C. Werner, de Wailly, Huet, Maréchyal, and Saulnier by Werner, Belin, Brégeaut & Cie., Delaporte, Langlumé, and C. de Lasteyrie, half-titles and lists of plates in each volume, extra-illustrated with 2 additional handcolored lithographed plates after and by Werner from the quarto issue of the work, an 4-leaf printed notice to subscribers bound at the front of vol. 1; some light spotting, scattered browning, and offsetting, 4 or 5 plates only more severely browned. Contemporary half French red morocco gilt over mottled boards, endpapers and edges marbled en suite; extremities a bit rubbed.

Christie's London (17 March 1999, lot 122; undesignated consignor)

Brunet II: 1535; McGill/Wood 307; Nissen, ZBI 1525

An outstanding set of this "fundamental authority on mammals, with fine plates; of great value" (McGill/Wood). Published in 72 parts from 1818 to 1842—under the auspices of the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris—this monumental study was the first serious attempt to publish a comprehensive classified description of mammals. The descriptions were largely written by Cuvier, with Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire providing general editorial direction and some articles of his own (signed with his initials). Following Cuvier's death in 1838, the final two parts were seen through the press by his son.

Most of the subjects were drawn from life at the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, Paris, where Cuvier was head keeper. Histoire naturelle des mammifères is usually described as complete with 431 plates (as called for, in fact, by the "Table Générale et Méthodique" at the end of the final volume). However, this volume contains 432 plates, which corresponds to the note to subscribers, as well as to Brunet's collation.