The Naturalist's Library (Complete in 40 volumes)

William Jardine

W.H. Lizars, Edinburgh, 1843

[A complete set of Jardine's encyclopedic and profusely illustrated work on zoology. Sections include: ornithology, mammalia, ichthyology and entomology.] Mixed set.  Collated. 40 volume set. Bound in 1/2 green morocco over marbled boards. Gilt decorated spines and covers. Shelf wear, with rubbing, minor edge wear.  Spines slightly sunned.  Marbled end sheets. Profusely illustrated with 1,616 illustrations. The vast majority being hand colored plates..  Sections include: Birds, 14 vols, Mammals 13 vols, Insects 7 vols, and Fish 6 vols. Refs: Nissen ZBI 4708; Wood p 405; Zimmer p 326; Nissen IVB 471. 

"Sir William Jardine, 7th Baronet of Applegarth, was a Scottish naturalist, was elected fellow of numerous societies, including the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Society of Antiquaries. After studying medicine at Edinburgh University, Jardine's interests turned to botany, geology, ornithology, and other branches of the natural sciences. Jardine coined the term "ichnology," and was the first to author a book on the subject. His private natural history museum and library were reputed to be the finest in Britain at the time.  Jardine greatest achievement may have been making natural history available to all facets of Victorian society through The Naturalist's Library. Issued and published by his brother in law, the Edinburgh printer and engraver, William Home Lizars, the series proved popular and accessible. It also counted John Ray, Thomas Bewick, Prideaux John Selby, and many other giant among its contributors." - Sotheby's sale, N11124-1012, 2022.