John Obadiah WESTWOOD (1805-1893).
Arcana Entomologica; or Illustrations of New, Rare, and Interesting Insects.
London: [printed by Bradbury & Evans for] William Smith, 1st May, 1841-1st March, 1843, and 1845.
2 volumes, octavo (9 ¼ x 6 inches; 235 x 153mm). Pp. [i-]iv; [1-]192 + [1-]16 adverts; [i-vi; 1-]191[-192]. 96 hand-coloured lithographic plates (numbered 1-68, '68' [bis], 69-95).
Later red half morocco over red cloth-covered boards, spine in six compartments with raised bands, decorated and lettered in gilt, covers ruled in gilt, top edges of book block gilded.
Condition of contents: some spotting to plates, otherwise excellent
A fine copy of the de luxe hand-coloured version of this spectacular work. The beautiful plates of this work are mostly beetles, butterflies and moths from around the world but including Africa, Asia and Australia. There are two different issues of this work: the standard issue with uncoloured plates and the present de luxe issue with all of the plates beautifully hand-coloured.
The wide-ranging selection of extraordinary species are both described and pictured by the author: "John Obadiah Westwood (22 December 1805 - 2 January 1893) was an English an English entomologist and archaeologist also noted for his artistic talents.Born in Sheffield, he studied to be a lawyer but abandoned that for his scientific interests.He became a curator and later professor at Oxford University, having been nominated by his friend and patron the Reverend Frederick William Hope, whose donation was the basis of the Hope Collection at Oxford. He was also a Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford.Westwood was a Fellow of the Linnean Society and president of the Entomological Society of London (1852–1853). Among the prominent writers and naturalists he associated with was James Rennie, whom he assisted in the editing of Gilbert White’s The Natural History and Antiquities of Selbourne in 1833." (Wikipedia).
BM(NH), 2303; Horn. - Sch., 23764; Nissen ZBI 4376
- Binding Condition: Excellent
- Overall Condition: some spotting but excellent
- Size: 9 ΒΌ x 6ins; 235 x 153mm
- Sold By: Shadowrock Rare Books
- Contact Person: Adam Langlands
- Country: United States
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