Curtis's Botanical Magazine - Two Volumes bound in One (25 & 26) with 83 Botanical Engravings

Curtis's Botanical Magazine - Two Volumes bound in One (25 & 26) with 83 Botanical Engravings
This is the volumes 25 & 26 of William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine; or, Flower-Garden displayed: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours... The volumes were published between 1811 and 1812 in London by S. Couchman.

The two volumes are bound in one with 83 originally hand-colored botanical engravings and accompanying text (plates 1419 to 1501). They are bound in contemporary uniform red half Morocco, richly gilt spines, marbled sides.

William Curtis (1746-1799) was a famous English botanist. He was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live specimens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand.

Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens. "It is, indeed, the oldest current scientific periodical of its kind with coloured illustrations in the world, and in the beauty of production and high standard of its contributions it can claim a unique place" (Henry II, p. 302)


Paper Size: ~ 5 1/2" by 9"


Paper Type or Special Features: Two Volumes bound in One (25 & 26) with 83 Botanical Engravings

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. Very clean volume with minimal foxing, offset, and toning which is usually prevalent to this work. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.