ROUPELL, ARABELLA.SPECIMENS OF THE FLORA OF SA. 1849

FIRST EDITION, folio (573 x 455 mm), list of subscribers, dedication leaf to Nathaniel Wallich, hand-coloured lithographed title, 8 hand-coloured lithographed plates, large hand-coloured tailpiece vignette by P. Gauci after Roupell, occasional marginal soiling, original tan buckram by Rowbotham with his ticket, gilt title (“Cape Flowers by a Lady”) and floral wreath on upper cover, modern folding case, some spotting, one or two repairs, binding repaired

Leman Saunders Sloman, bookplate

Great Flower Books p. 134; Nissen BBI 1687; Stafleu TL2 9684

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."

One of 103 copies issued by subscription only. Arabella Roupell travelled to the Cape of Good Hope with her husband between 1843 and 1845. There she met the Danish physician and botanist Nathaniel Wallich, who encouraged her to publish her drawings. Sir William Hooker, the Director of Kew Gardens seconded Wallich's high opinion. The book appeared anonymously in 1849 with a text by William Henry Harvey, whom Roupell recognized in her preface as an expert on South African botany.