Find Lots

• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  The Denis Joachim Collection
• Sale Date:
  19 Jun 2016 ~ 2pm - Session 1: Lots 1 - 321
  20 Jun 2016 ~ 10am - Session 2: Lots 322 - 480
  20 Jun 2016 ~ 2pm - Session 3: Lot 481 - 688
  20 Jun 2016 ~ 6pm - Session 4: Lots 689 - 818
• Lot #:
  40
• Lot Description:
  Donovan, Edward. An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of New Holland, New Zealand…
  New Guinea, Otaheite and Other Islands in the Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans, including the Figures and Descriptions of One Hundred and Fifty-Three Species of the more Splendid, Beautiful and Interesting Insects, Hitherto Discovered in those Countries, and which for the most part have not appeared in the Works of any preceding Author. Quarto, 41 handcoloured engraved plates, a fine copy bound in quarter vellum, manuscript spine label, and period-style papered boards. London, the Author, 1805.
• Notes:
  First edition of this extremely rare illustrated account of South Seas insects based on the author’s own collection of specimens which was itself founded on the collections of naturalist Dru Drury and of William Bayly, who had sailed as astronomer with Cook. Donovan also was able to use other private collections, including the extensive collection of Sir Joseph Banks. Despite the wide geographical range of Donovan’s monograph it is perhaps best known – and most important as – the first illustrated, systematic survey of Australian insects. As Donovan wrote in his introduction: “there is, perhaps, no extent of country in the world that can boast of a more copious or diversified assemblage of interesting objects in every department of natural history than New Holland... it burst upon our view at the first glance like a new creation.” Ferguson, 408.
• Estimate:
  A$20,000 - 30,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

  Can't see the realised price? Upgrade your subscription now!

• Category:
  Books & Manuscripts

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.