The Natural History of British Shells, including Figures and Descriptions of all the Species hitherto discovered in Great Britain, systematically arranged in the Linnean Manner, with scientific and general Observations on each.

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DONOVAN, Edward. The Natural History of British Shells, including Figures and Descriptions of all the Species hitherto discovered in Great Britain, systematically arranged in the Linnean Manner, with scientific and general Observations on each. London, F. C. and J. Rivington, 1800-04. FIRST EDITION. 8vo, 5 volumes in two (first three vols bound together). With 180 beautiful engraved plates, all hand-coloured in thick paint and fine bright colours. Light occasional spotting, copiously annotated with scientific observations throughout. Left endpapers with bookplate of surgeon and physician Ernest Le Cronier Lancaster, left pastedowns with bookplate of Henry Spurr and another Crest, probably to be associated with the Rooke family, name scraped away (motto: efflorescent cornices dum micat sol crest ). Autograph of owner John H. Wright to outer upper margin of title page. The work was issued in 60 parts, each with 3 plates, having descriptive text to each plate. All volumes with title-pages and alphabetical Indexes at the end. The title-pages are dated 1804 (vol.I), 1800 (vol. II), 1801 (vol. III), 1802 (vol. IV), 1803 (vol. V). Bound in later half calf with decorative rolls and marbled paper over boards, recently rebacked with gilt red morocco label to spine. Rubbed on covers. Nissen, No. 1147. Seller Inventory # ABE-1533570799859

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