Lacépède - Histoire Naturelle - 1867

FISH, CETACEANS, AND REPTILES THAT CHANGED MODERN ZOOLOGY
This elegant illustrated edition of Bernard Germain de Lacépède’s Histoire Naturelle represents one of the most important zoological syntheses of nineteenth-century France. Successor to Buffon and among the great protagonists of European natural history, Lacépède dedicated these monumental studies to the study of cetaceans, oviparous reptiles, snakes and especially fishes, contributing decisively to the scientific classification of vertebrate fauna. The 1867 edition, enriched by Georges Cuvier’s Éloge de Lacépède and by Armand-Gaston Desmarest’s zoological revisions, updates and consolidates the scientific heritage accumulated during the 19th century. The numerous finely colored zoological plates lend the work substantial aesthetic value as well as documentary.
MARKET VALUE
The illustrated nineteenth-century editions of Lacépède’s zoological works maintain a stable international market among collectors of natural history, ichthyology, and historical zoology. Complete copies of the colored plates and bound in elegant bindings can fetch prices significantly higher than copies lacking the illustrations. In the European antiquarian market, complete two-volume copies typically range between €400 and €800, with higher values for especially fresh and complete copies.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Two volumes bound in dark green full leather with titles and borders impressed in gold on the spines. Marbled endpapers. Numerous zoological plates tipped in and protected by original tissue guards. Pages with some physiological foxing. Some plates detached. Bindings with light signs of use and minimal edge wear. In old books, with a centuries-long provenance, there may be some imperfections, not always noted in the description. Pp. (4); 4nn; 7; 668; (4). (4); 4nn; 648; (4).

FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Histoire Naturelle de Lacépède.
Paris, Furne, Jouvet et Cie, 1867. Printed in Paris by l’Imprimerie Renou et Maulde.
Lacépède, Bernard Germain Étienne de La Ville-sur-Illon, Comte de Lacépède.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
Lacépède occupies a central role in the development of zoology between the Enlightenment and the nineteenth century. Called to continue Buffon’s monumental work, he vastly expanded knowledge of aquatic vertebrates and reptiles. His classifications, although later surpassed by the progress of modern biology, represented a fundamental step in the construction of systematic zoology. This edition organises the studies devoted to cetaceans, turtles, snakes, and fishes in an integrated way, illustrating hundreds of species from all continents. The plates constitute a precious testimony to French naturalist iconography of the nineteenth century.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Bernard Germain Étienne de La Ville-sur-Illon, comte de Lacépède (1756-1825), was a French naturalist, zoologist, and statesman. A student and successor of Buffon, he entered the Academy of Sciences and became one of the most influential figures in French natural history. He authored fundamental studies on fishes, reptiles, and cetaceans and contributed decisively to the spread of modern zoology. During the Napoleonic era he also held important public positions, including the presidency of the Senate.

PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
Lacépède’s zoological works were originally published from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century. The Furne, Jouvet et Cie edition of 1867 belongs to the great era of illustrated reissues of classic scientific works intended for libraries, scholars, and collectors. The incorporation of Desmarest’s observations and Cuvier’s elogio reflects the desire to present the work as a definitive synthesis of the French zoological tradition. The colored plates made these editions particularly appreciated by the bourgeois public and natural science enthusiasts.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Nissen, ZBI – Die Zoologische Buchillustration, repertories relating to Lacépède’s works.
Wood, Pictorial Guide to the Books of Fishes.
Brunet, Manuel du Libraire, III, pp. 726-728.
Hoefer, Nouvelle Biographie Générale, vol. 28, pp. 849-855.
DSB – Dictionary of Scientific Biography, vol. VII, pp. 541-545.
Catalogue général de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, notices relating to Lacépède.
WorldCat, bibliographic records of the Furne, Jouvet et Cie edition, 1867.
Biodiversity Heritage Library, historical editions of Lacépède’s zoological works.
Stafleu & Cowan, Taxonomic Literature, vol. III, pp. 15-22.