Michaux, François André:

$12,000 · Offered by William Reese Company

THE NORTH AMERICAN SYLVA; OR A DESCRIPTION OF THE FOREST TREES OF THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND NOVA SCOTIA.... An early issue of Michaux and Nuttall's classic work of American natural history. Originally published as separate works, these titles merged into a regularly produced combined work of six volumes beginning in 1851. The Nuttall appears to have the same collation as the first edition of 1842-49. The Michaux has virtually the same collation as the 1850/51 and 1852 issues which precede it. The beautiful color plates were printed in Paris, many after Redouté. The Nuttall contains 121 plates, as in the first issue of 1842/46/49. The Michaux contains 156 color plates, as called for on the titlepage, six more plates than in previous issues.This publication is the most important work relating to American trees prior to the 20th century. It is the product of the efforts of two of the greatest naturalists to work in 19th-century America, François André Michaux and Thomas Nuttall. The beautifully executed plates illustrate leaves and nuts or berries of American trees across the entire continent. Sabin says of the work, "It is no exaggeration to remark that it is the most complete work of its kind, and is a production of unrivalled interest and beauty." Michaux's work is based on his extensive travels in the eastern half of America, and those of his father, from the 1790s on. Both men were friendly with Jefferson and other leading figures, who aided them in their work and trav

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