Histoire Abregee des Insectes. This item is unavailable.Histoire Abregee des Insectes

A wonderful example of the second edition of M. Geoffroy's impressively illustrated study of the insects native to 18th century Paris, illustrated with twenty-four folding plates. In the original French.The second edition of this work, which was first published anonymously in 1762. This is considered to the the definitive edition.Complete in two volumes.Illustrated with ten folding plates to the rear of volume I, and twelve to the rear of volume II. Collated, complete.A truly impressive study of the insects of Paris.The work of French entomologist and pharmacist Etienne Louis Geoffroy, whose work is dedicated largely to beetles.Rebacked, retaining original boards and endpapers.With the bookplate of noted French botanist and plant collector Philippe de Vilmorin to the front pastedown of each volume, and with former owner's inscriptions, dated 1883, to each half title.[2], a-c4, d2, A-3T4, 3V2 [10]; [2], A-4S4, 4R2 [12]. Collated, complete. Rebacked in calf, retaining contemporary calf boards, and original marbled endpapers. Gilt detailing to back strips. Externally, excellent. Front hinge of volume I and hinge tails of volume II strained, with boards firmly held. Bookplates to front pastedowns. Inscriptions to half titles. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright, with only the odd spot. Very Good.…