Hooker, William & Richard Anthony Salisbury
The Paradisus Londinensis: or Coloured Figures of Plants Cultivated in the Vicinity of the Metropolis,
London: D. N. Shury, [1805]-1806.
Volume I, parts I and II only (of 2 vols.).
Title page, [3], Letterpress text to each plate.
4to (290 x 220mm.),
49 hand-coloured engraved plates by William Hooker, 2 folding.
Later three quarter calf with gilt lettering to spine
Stafleu-C. 10. 1 20. Nissen 912. Dunthorne 138. Sitwell-B. 135. Blunt 202. De Belder 316. cf. Nissen BBI 912 (calling for only 70 plates in volume one).
Exceedingly rare work that appeared in 40 parts between 1805 and 1807 with a total of 117 engravings (although is almost never found complete, and only very rarely found for sale). The beautifully coloured plates depict many rare and exotic species found in regional London gardens. This copy contains two indexes. Clearly an early issue made up from the parts.
Occasional minor marks (plates generally in clean condition, some spotting to text). Plates numbered 1-14, 14bis, 15-32, 36, 39, 42-46, 48-57, 60-63, 65-67, 67bis, 68.
