Beschreibung:

Property from the Library at Spetchley Park ELWES, HENRY JOHN A Monograph of the Genus Lilium, illustrated by W.H. Fitch. [London: Taylor and Francis, 1877]-1880 FIRST EDITION, folio (556 x 380mm.), dedication leaf, two hand-coloured maps on one sheet, mounted albumen print of a scene in the North-west Himalayas by Bourne, 48 hand-coloured lithographs, 'Notice to Subscribers' leaves and original wrappers to the parts bound in at end (March 1877, April 1877, August 1877, December 1877, with date on overslip, August 1878, January 1879, May 1880), later red half morocco, minor occasional staining "Elwes is remembered not primarily as a scientist—he had no formal scientific training and relied on co-authors for the strictly botanical sections of his writings—but as a traveller, collector, and particularly as a plantsman. He knew what to collect, was determined in his travels to find it, was highly observant in describing the geographical distribution of what he found, and was particularly skilled in propagating specimens he brought back" (ODNB). LITERATURE:Nissen BBI 594 PROVENANCE:J.A.D. Bridger, Penzance, bookseller's labelCondition ReportCondition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. 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.