Author: Botanik - Maund, B(enjamin) and Henslow, J(ohn) S(tevens).
Title: The Botanist. (Containing Accurately Coloured Figures, of Tender and Hardy Ornamental Plants; with Descriptions, Scientific and Popular; Intended to Convey Both Moral and Intellectual Gratification). Vols I & II.
Description: Published by London, R. Groombridge, Edinburgh, W. White, Dublin, J. Robertson, 1836-1838., 1838, 1836. Hardcover. 2 Vols. Maund and the Rev. John Stevens Henslow collaborated in 1837 to produce The Botanist, a botanical journal the goal of which was to educate gardeners. Five volumes of lavish hand-coloured illustrations were issued, Augusta Innes Withers was the most important botanical artist to contribute. The plates were engraved by S Watts, Nevitt & Smith (wiki) With 100 full page very finely hand coloured plates. Both volumes with vignette ornamental title preceding title page. Plates measure 22cms. Edges marbled but dusty. Each of the 100 plates in the two volumes is accompanied by relevant text of 2-4 pages. Indexes with pages numbered but plates in fact unpaginated. Vol I: iv, iv. 50 plates, Explanation of the woodcuts p.5-26. Vol II: Index to plates unpaginated 50 further plates as called for. The text for Plate 83 Kennedya Marryattiana is absent. Both volumes are bound in their original green cloth patterned boards with a rubbed gilt motif on both front boards and worn corners. The books have be respined with headbands and green leather and title labels. New marbled endpapers.Undated ( pubd 1837-1838) but neat owners name Mary Davidson on prelims of both volumes dated 1859. Internally the plates are all VG without any significant foxing; the tissue guards however are foxed in some places toward the margins but this is not offset onto the plates. One tissue guard torn out. There is some mild handling wear of the plates and text pages but still VG with vibrant delicate hand colouring. No fading. See scans and email for more. . Very Good

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