1749 A Natural History of English Insects
DESCRIPTION
A richly illustrated and highly important work of 18th-century natural history, this edition of A Natural History of English Insects presents the careful observations and artistic skill of Eleazar Albin, one of the period’s leading entomological illustrators.
First issued earlier in the century and here appearing in its 1749 edition, the work is illustrated with one hundred finely engraved copper plates, many originally hand-colored, depicting butterflies, moths, caterpillars, and other insects alongside their host plants. These images were drawn “from life,” reflecting the growing emphasis on direct observation in early scientific study.
The plates are both scientific and decorative, often showing the full life cycle of each species, from larva to winged insect, set within carefully composed botanical environments. Accompanying text, largely informed by the naturalist William Derham, provides descriptive notes on behavior, habitat, and transformation, offering one of the more accessible English-language treatments of entomology prior to the Linnaean system. Each plate was frequently dedicated to a patron or subscriber, illustrating the important role of private sponsorship in the production of such works.
Beyond its scientific value, the book stands as a striking example of early natural history publishing, combining art, observation, and patronage into a visually compelling format. Works such as this helped shape the study of insects in Britain and remain highly sought after today for their engraved plates, historical importance, and enduring aesthetic appeal.
CONDITION
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