North American Sylva, Or A Description of Forest Trees of the
Item #46617
MICHAUX, Francois Andre. The North American Sylva, Or A Description of Forest Trees of the UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND NOVA SCOTIA.... Paris: Printed by C. D'Hautel, 1819 - 1818 - 1819. Three volumes (containing seven "half volumes" each with its own titlepage). [4],v,[3],268; [4],250; 285,[1]pp. plus 156 handcolored plates. Half title in each of the three volume. Contemporary three quarter straight-grained red morocco and plain paper boards, spines gilt. Boards rubbed. Spine head of first volume neatly repaired. Bookplate on each front pastedown. Scattered foxing, mostly confined to text with the plates generally clean and brightly colored. Very good. BENNETT, p.76. MEISEL III, pp.379-81. SABIN 48694. OAK SPRING SYLVA 20 (ref). NISSEN 1361. TAXONOMIC LITERATURE 5962. MacPHAIL, ANDRE & FRANCOIS-ANDRE MICHAUX 17b. Savage, ANDRE AND FRANCOIS ANDRE MICHAUX (Charlottesville, 1986). The first reissue of the first edition of Michaux, following the original 1817 edition. The same beautiful color plates printed in Paris, many after Redoute, are present here as in the first issue. This publication is the most important work relating to American trees prior to the 20th century. It is the product of the efforts of one of the greatest naturalists to work in 19th century America, Francois A. Michaux. The beautifully executed plates illustrate leaves and nuts or berries of American trees across the entire continent. Thomas Nuttall later continued the work begun by Michaux, and of the combined work of both men Sabin states: "It is no exaggeration to remark that it is the most complete work of its kind, and is a production of unrivalled interest and beauty." Michaux's work is based on his extensive travels in the eastern half of America, and those of his father, from the 1790s on. Both men were friendly with Jefferson and other leading figures, who aided them in their work and travels. This edition was printed in Paris, where the plates were engraved as well. Both volumes contain the Paris imprint of D'Hautel. The plates were executed by the great French flower painter, Redoute, and his associate, Bessa. The sheets of the first effort at reprinting the work were destroyed by fire, but the copper plates were separately stored and thus survived to be employed in a later combined edition issued by Rice and Hart.
Price: $9,000.00