Beschreibung:

THORNTON, Robert John. New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus von Linnaeus... the Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature. London: T.Bensley for the publisher, 1807[-1812]. Large 2° (570 x 455mm.). 18 engraved preliminary leaves (including titles, dedications, tables, etc.), engraved portraits of Queen Charlotte, Thornton and 23 other oval portraits of Scientists with vignette views beneath, an emblematic plate ('The Universal Power of Love'), two portraits of Linnaeus (one in Lapland dress), 91 uncoloured botanical plates and 31 PLATES TO THE TEMPLE OF FLORA COLOUR-PRINTED IN AQUATINT AND MEZZOTINT AND FINISHED BY HAND. (Title creased and somewhat spotted, a few other early leaves lightly creased). Contemporary diced russia, elaborately panelled in gilt and blind (neatly rebacked with original spine laid down). A FINE COPY OF THE MOST FAMOUS ENGLISH BOTANICAL PLATE BOOK with the Temple of Flora plates in late states. This copy includes three of the alternative plates, replacing the Group of [Four] Auriculas, The Queen, and The Aloe. The Superb Lily is in Dunthorne's 'B' state, engraved by Earlom. The work is Thornton's great monument but also resulted in his financial ruin, despite an act of Parliament allowing him to set up a national lottery to recoup his losses. Great Flower Books p.77; Dunthorne 301; Nissen 1955. As all collations vary - indeed Buchanan states 'no two copies of this book are alike' - it is, as usual, sold not subject to return.