English Botany, or, Coloured Figures of British Plants (12 volume set)

James Sowerby; Phebe Lankester; John William Salter; James de Carle Sowerby; John E Sowerby

London: George Bell & Sons, 1873

12 volumes.  Third ed. Thick octavos, 25 x 16.5 cm.  Bound in contemporary 3/4 moroccan leather, over green cloth.  Good bindings and covers. Top edges gilt. Gilt thistle-stamped spines. Spines slightly toned. 1800 hand-colored lithographic plates. 

Sowerby's classic English flora, which aimed to portray all plants indigenous to Britain except the fungi.  This work was first published in 1790-1813 in parts over 23 years.  Subsequent editions expanded the work and additional plates were provided by Sowerby's son, James de Carle.  "English Botany is of value even to the present day as a work of reference, and as an illustrated flora of our country it has never been surpassed." (Henrey II:143).  Nissen 2225. "Unlike other flower painters of the time, whose work tended toward pleasing wealthy patrons, he worked directly with scientists." - Walsh, Huber. "James Sowerby". This set lacks the supplement, vol. 13.  

This is an oversized or heavy book, which requires additional postage for international delivery outside the US.