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JOHNSON, Theophilus (1836-1919)
Illustrations of British Hawk Moths and their Larvae, (including the Sesidae) with thirty-six original drawings from specimens in his cabinet. London: 1874 [-1876].
A fine and complete copy of the extensive and ambitious work by naturalist Theophilus Johnson. Beautifully water-coloured, the plates depict the various species of moth found in the British Isles, and include illustrative documentation of their larvae, as well as the plants from which they feed. Johnson was an amateur naturalist and, having originally trained as a letterpress printed, found inspiration to begin recording the natural world when he moved next to London Zoo. Over his lifetime he illustrated over 46 volumes, all with original watercolour. Freeman 1996; Nissen ZBI 2119.
Large octavo (235 x 161mm). 36 original watercolour drawings of the author as called for, extra illustrated with two additional watercolours: a duplicate of plate 5 and a watercolour of the Acherontia Atropos numbered plate XI (spotting to title, otherwise plates very fresh). Contemporary red half morocco gilt and red marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt, gilt edges, original front wrapper bound in (expertly rebacked, boards with some bubbling, small split to front hinge). Provenance: C. A. Briggs (bookplate).
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