Martyn, John

First edition, folio (504 x 355mm.), imprimatur leaf of Hans Sloane as President of the Royal Society, title printed in red and black, engraved dedication leaf to the Royal Society, mezzotint and woodcut headpieces, engraved and woodcut initials, 50 mezzotint plates printed in colours and finished by hand, contemporary calf, [Cleveland Herbal 365; Dunthorne 194; Great Flower Books, p.67; Henrey 3:1016; Hunt 476; Nissen BBI 1289; Stafleu TL2 5563], C1 torn at foot not affecting text, occasional dampstaining, binding rebacked and somewhat worn

David Drummond, 17th Earl of Perth

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 first botanical book to be illustrated with colour-printed plates, a pioneer work that led the way for the Society of Gardeners' Catalogus, Thornton's Temple of Flora, and the great French nineteenth-century colour printing of Redouté and others. The plates were engraved in mezzotint by Elisha Kirkall after paintings by Jacob van Huysum, R. Sartorius, and others. Most of the plates are printed in two colours, some in more. All are printed in a single pull. Each plate is dedicated to a patron-subscriber and has a coat of arms. The dedicatees include scientists, Cambridge colleges, doctors and horticulturalists such as Philip Miller. The work is devoted to new species growing in the Chelsea Physic Garden and the Cambridge Botanic Garden. Martyn (1699-1768) was the founder of Britain's first botanical society. The success of this led to his lecturing at Cambridge and election to the Royal Society.