Jaume Saint-Hilaire, Jean Henri.

First edition, 10 volumes, royal 8vo (247 x 160mm.), 6 engraved portraits (?of 10, see footnote), 1000 colour-printed stipple-engraved plates, contemporary straight-grained brown morocco gilt, [Great Flower Books p.105; Nissen BBI 989; Stafleu TL2 3306], some plate numbers cropped, binding somewhat worn in places

E.W. Perry, Plymouth, bookseller's ticket; Frederick, 2nd Lord Hesketh, bookplate

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.
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"Small but exquisitely delicate plates of pure colour printing" (Dunthorne). Saint-Hilaire's comprehensive work was published in parts over a long period of time, and there is no precise collation for the work. Copies with ten portraits are known, but some are frequently absent, as here.

Jean Henri Jaume Saint-Hilaire (1772-1845) is one of the lesser known members of a group of post-revolutionary botanists that had at its heart such luminaries as L'Heritier, Ventenat, and most notably Pierre-Joseph Redouté. Despite the importance of this, his major work, recognition eluded him, and he spent much of his life on the fringes of poverty.