Catesby, Mark.

Second edition, 2 volumes, folio (528 x 365mm.), title-pages printed in red and black, dedication leaf, double-page hand-coloured engraved map, 220 hand-coloured engraved plates, first 20 page numbers of vol. 2 corrected by hand as usual, fine contemporary French red morocco, covers simply panelled in gilt, flat spines gilt-panelled with green morocco lettering-pieces, marbled endpapers, gilt edges, scattered light browning and discoloration, some spotting and faint offsetting, very short tear in lower margin plate 36, text leaf 1 with long tear at lower margin not affecting text, binding slightly worn at extremities

The Lamoignon family Library, Bibliotheca Lamoniana label, inkstamps; Sir Thomas Phillipps Bt., press mark on spine and flyleaf; William H. Robinson, book label, noting acquisition from the Phillipps library

Anker 95; Dunthorne 72; Fine Bird Books, p.65; Great Flower Books, p.53; Nissen BBI 336, IVB 177; Sabin 11509; Stafleu TL2 1057; Wood, p.282

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Lamoignon-Phillipps copy, in a fine contemporary binding.

Trained as a botanist, Catesby (1683-1749) travelled to Virginia in 1712 and remained there for seven years, sending back to England collections of plants and seeds. With the encouragement of Sir Hans Sloane and others, Catesby returned to America in 1722 to seek materials for his Natural History; he travelled extensively in Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and the Bahamas, sending back further specimens.