Lot 06

George Shaw (1751 - 1813) Vivarium Naturae or the Naturalist’s Miscellany. Vol. I-III

The first three volumes of this English life science periodical contain a total of 110 numbered, hand-colored copperplate engravings with the address along the lower edge. The first volume contains nos. 1–37, the second volume nos. 38–74, and the third volume nos. 75–110. The author is Frederick Polydor Nodder, the court painter of flora and fauna for Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. Appendices on thicker paper depict mammals, birds, amphibians, snakes, butterflies and other fauna. Also often portrayed are sometimes quite curious species of animals, and to a lesser extent flora as well. The beautiful vivid coloring transforms the engravings into small decorative works of art. The plates, several of which are folded, are covered with Japanese paper and accompanied by Latin and English texts. Each section also contains four introductory pages of text and one final page with the index. The title page has preserved only in the first volume.; a bookplate is included in the first and second volumes. Binding worn through use.
Half-leather 19th century binding with label.