ANDREWS. COLOURED ENGRAVINGS OF HEATHS. 1794-1830

FIRST EDITION, volumes 1 to 3 only (as often, of 4), folio (414 x 254mm.), 216 engraved plates, contemporary half morocco, occasional browning, spines worn

Dunthorne 9; Great Flower Books, p.47; Nissen BBI 31; Stafleu TL2 134

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."

Blunt describes this work as Andrews’s “finest achievement… notable in conception and impressive in execution”. Andrews drew and engraved all his plates, wrote most of the text and, according to Dunthorne, even did his own colouring. The work exemplifies the “erica mania” that dominated English horticulture at this time. Numerous newly-discovered South African species were being introduced through the enterprise of nurserymen like Lee and Kennedy, and several hundred species and varieties were available and in cultivation.