FIRST EDITION. Due to a relative paucity of literature on fish from the classical era, Gesner based his work on contemporary research and first-hand observation. As a result, although the species are described in alphabetical order, the descriptions place much emphasis on the physical appearance of species and provide references to wider groups of morphologically similar fish. Similarly, the work is the first scholarly publication in which illustrations play a fundamental role.
One of the most sought after woodcut from the work is this terrifying depiction of a Baleen whale based on the work of Olaus Magnus and mentioned by Gesner as an examples of animals which exist but have not been correctly depicted.
First state of the woodcut with rich inking and a very strong impression.
