Zoography; or, the Beauties of Nature Displayed.  In Select Descriptions From the Animal, and Vegetable, With Additions From the Mineral Kingdom. Systematically Arranged.  London: Printed for Cadell and Davies, in the Strand, By Richard Taylor and Co. Shoe Lane, 1807.

First edition.

Three octavo volumes. xix, [i], [v]-viii, 572; viii, 618; vii, [i], 612 pp., including index. With 60 aquatint engraved plates and two aquatint text llustrations. Bound by Sotherin in contemporary sprinkled calf, all three volumes rebacked in a light-toned calf (reminiscent of vellum), morocco spine labels lettered in gilt. Rubbing and light soiling to extremities, edges and corners worn, marginal damp-staining to top edge of plates in volume two. Overall a very good set.

First edition of this extensively illustrated work on zoography, which treats in volume I quadrupeds and birds, reptiles, fish, insects and crustaceans in volume II, and plants & minerals in volume III. Filled with delightful commentary and observations, it is a veritable storehouse of information, and an excellent example of early nineteenth century views of the natural world.

"An esteemed work" (Lowndes)

William Wood (1774–1857) was an influential English naturalist and bookseller. Although he originally studied medicine and practiced as a surgeon, his interests soon turned to natural history. In 1798 he was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society, and by 1815 Wood had given up medicine and established himself as a bookseller, dealing mainly in books on natural history. According to naturalist William Swainson he was ‘the most learned bookseller in London for works connected with natural history’. Wood is best remembered for his Index testaceologicus, or, A Catalogue of Shells, British and Foreign, as well as the present work.

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Allibone, 2823; Davis, Peter. “Wood, William (1774–1857).” Oxford Dictionary of National Biography; Lowndes, 3986; Nissen, 4460

ID: 6949

$ 1,200