Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 1282:
Description
This collection of works is a four volume set called,
Gemeinnutzige Naturgeschichte Deutschlands nach allen drey reichen or
Practical Natural History of Germany, Covering all Three Kingdoms. It was written by Johann Matthaus Bechstein and was published in Leipzig from 1801 to 1809. The first three volumes were published by Siegfried Lebrecht Crusius, and after Crusius’s death the last volume was published by his successor, Friedrich Christian Wilhelm Vogel.
The volumes are bound in brown calf with green title band with gold gilt details. There are 91 engravings, 80 of which feature original hand-coloring. Volume 1 describes mammals, while the rest of the volumes describe various birds.
Johann Matthaus Bechstein (1757-1822) was a German naturalist who focused on ornithology. He founded the school of forestry in Waltershausen, Germany, and had a keen focus for the conservation of nature. He adopted his nephew, Ludwig Bechstein, who would go on to become a collector of German folk-tales.
Paper Size: ~ 5 3/8” by 7 7/8”
Paper Type or Special Features: Four Volumes with 91 Engravings (11 uncolored and 80 originally hand-colored)
Condition report:
The work is in good to excellent condition overall. The vast majority of plates are in great condition, but a few plates have tears, none of which cut through the engraving. Engraving 23 of volume 2 was intentionally removed. There is some cracking or wear to the volumes. 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.
Share this lot:
