Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #123 begins on 15 May 2025

Jonathan Couch

A History of the Fishes of the British Isles

Published: Groombridge and Sons, London, 1862-5

Edition: First edition

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4 volumes. 1st editions. 252 chromolithograph plates.

From the library of Lord Avebury. Bookplate on inside cover. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lubbock,_1st_Baron_Avebury

Publishers blue blind embossed gilt cloth.

Gilt titles and vignette on spine.

Some sporadic spotting/foxing.

Plates in lovely condition.

Volume I:

vi, 245 pages

57 plates. 

Volume II.   

vi, 265 pages.

63 plates.

Volume III.

iv, 208 pages.

59 plates.

Volume IV.

iv, 439 pages.

73 plates.

"Couch was born in 1789 in Polperro in Cornwall and died there

in 1870,  having spent his life being interested in more or less

everything, from potatoes to pilchards, although he was by profession

a doctor.  A History of the Fishes of the British Islands made a valuable

contribution not only to science, but to the art of angling and it was relied

on as a reference work for many decades after his death. The value of Couch's

contribution lay not so much in his classification and descriptions of the

species, but in his paintings, which were so accurate that they were relied

for reference by later biologists, even when Couch's written identification was wrong." 

Recorded shipping weight 8000g.

Shipped and insured by recorded delivery.

  • Binding Condition: Good
  • Overall Condition: Good
  • Size: 26 x 17 cm
  • Sold By: West Clare Rare Books
  • Contact Person: Tom Moloney
  • Country: Ireland
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 0657087803
  • Preferred Payment Methods: Credit Cards - PayPal - Cheque.
  • Trade Associations: AA Approved


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