Beschreibung:

The Natural History of Barbados. Griffith Hughes, 1750 HUGHES, Griffith (1707-c. 1758). The Natural History of Barbados. London: Printed for the author, 1750. One of the earliest botanical studies on Barbados, with hand-colored flower plates by Ehret, a book "to place beside Catesby's Natural History" (Hunt). First edition of the quarto issue, which according to Hunt presumably preceded the folio issue published in the same year. "Hughes had an advantage over Catesby in that the majority of the Barbados plates were drawn by Ehret, while just three of Catesby's are from that gifted artist's hand. Probably several of the unsigned Barbados plates are also by Ehret, as he may have signed only those that he felt were good" (ibid.). It is a bibliographically interesting book which Hughes seems to have continued to work on as it was going through the press and has "many charming features" (ibid). It was not well received by the scientific community, but remains notable for being possibly the first description in print of the grapefruit, which Hughes calls the "Forbidden Fruit" of Barbados. Holden 425; Sabin 33582; Hunt 536. Quarto (360 x 231mm). With list of subscribers and additional errata slip pasted to errata leaf. Folding map of Barbados, 30 engraved plates of which 25 are hand-colored, engraved headpieces (some toning). Contemporary English paneled calf, red edges (some light wear). Provenance: armorial bookplate and manuscript bibliographic notes pasted to pastedowns.