Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 1407:
Description
This first edition volume is Frederick William Beechey’s
The Zoology of Captain Beechey’s Voyage; compiled from the collections and notes made by Captain Beechey, the officers and naturalist of the expedition, during a voyage to the Pacific and Behring’s Straits performed in His Majesty’s Ship Blossom… in the Years 1825, 26, 27, and 28. The work was published in 1839 in London by Howlett & Son for Henry G. Bohn. The volume was compiled by John Richardson.
The work is bound in later half blue morocco gilt. It features 44 originally hand-colored zoology engravings and 3 maps. The plates are after Edward Lear, J.D.C. Sowerby, and J.C. Zeitter. The maps are after Belcher. The notes and text for the work were completed by John Richardson (mammalia), Nichols Vigors (birds), George Lay and Edward Bennett (fish), Richard Owen (crustacea), William Buckland (geology), and John Gray (reptiles and mollusks).
The information for the work was gathered during Beechey’s voyage in the Blossom, described by Hill as "the most valuable of modern voyages." (Hill 19) According to Beechey in the introduction of the work, the delay in publication of this volume was "occasioned entirely by Mr. Gray’s failing to furnish his part in spite of every intercession from myself and others…"
Paper Size: ~ 8 1/2" by 11"
Paper Type or Special Features: Volume with 44 Zoology Engravings & 3 Maps
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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