Guérin-Ménéville, F. E. - Dictionnaire pittoresque d'histoire naturelle et des phénomènes de la nature... Volume 1 - 1833-1834

Guérin-Ménéville, F. E. - Dictionnaire pittoresque d'histoire naturelle et des phénomènes de la nature... Volume 1 - 1833-1834
* First volume of one of the best-illustrated natural history encyclopaedias, and certainly one of the largest in size. The plates are magnificent, rich in detail, finely coloured and often showing spectacular animals and plants in a vast variety. Text page numbering is viii, 640, for a total of 648 pages, mostly with descriptions of the illustrated birds, shells, flowers, mammals, fruits, reptiles, insects, fish, etc. This volume has 79 of 80 plates, only lacking Plate 16. The original half-morocco binding with marbled boards has a rich gilt spine, with gilt floral corner pieces, raised, gilt-stippled bands, and gilt title. The book block edges are finely sprinkled. There is some wear to the board edges, and spine ends, but not more than could be expected from a nearly two centuries old book. Several plates show off-setting, or toning: in a few plates rather strong, as often. Most plates, however, are only mildly toned. In all a very good copy. References: Caprotti II, p. 29 (193); Nissen ZBI, 4616.