Dillenius, Johann Jakob

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, folio (466 x 285mm.), half-titles in both volumes, main title in volume one only as called for, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, 325 engraved plates of plants and flowers, contemporary mottled calf, double gilt fillet borders on covers with floral cornerpieces, spines richly gilt in 7 compartments with thistle, flower and star motifs, lettered in 2 compartments, red morocco labels, red edges

Dareste de la Chavanne et de Sacconay, armorial bookplate

Cleveland Herbal 374; Henrey 643; Nissen BBI 492; Stafleu TL2 1471

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."

A FINE COPY. An alphabetical listing of plants cultivated by James Sherard in his garden at Eltham. Sherard's brother William, a celebrated botanist, endowed a chair of botany at Oxford, with the proviso that the first incumbent be their friend Dillenius. Many illustrations in Hortus elthamensis were by Dillenius himself. "The most important book to be published in England during the eighteenth century on the plants growing in a private garden is Dillenius's Hortus elthamensis" (Henrey, p. 265).