British Butterflies and their Transformations; [and] British Moths and their Transformations.

£1,250 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

"A high, and arguably unequalled standard in Victorian butterfly book illustration" (Dunbar). Later issues published within a few years of the first, an attractive set uniformly bound in red morocco. Westwood, a distinguished entomologist and member of the Linnean Society, collaborated in writing the text to accompany the charming beautiful painings by Humphreys. Each print depicts several species artistically composed among the flowering caterpillar food plants, and in many instances the caterpillar and chrysalis are shown. Some of the grander European species are also shown. Later issues; 2 works in 3 vols, 4to (28 x 21.5 cm); 56 hand-coloured plates in the Butterfly volume, 125 in the Moths volumes, 19th century bookplates, discreet blind stamps to titles, later ownership signature to each front blank, text leaves lightly toned, occasional small spots and marks but overall plates clean; uniformly bound in late 19th century red half morocco, spines gilt in compartments, marbled sides and endpapers, top edges gilt, bindings lightly rubbed, a very good set.

• Binding: Hardcover

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