Cabinet of Natural Curiosities: The Colored Plates 1734-1765

Pp. 415; color frontispiece portrait of Albertus Seba, 15 text-figures (most in color), 450 full page color plates reproducing all of the original plates taken from the rare original volume housed in The Hague. Publisher's original color pictorial laminated boards (hardcover), in matching color pictorial dust jacket, sm folio (13 3/8 x 9 inches). According the dust jacket flap, this volume reproduces one of the 18th century's greatest natural-history achievements and remains one of the most prized natural-history books of all time. Though it was common for men of his profession to collect natural specimens for research purposes, Amsterdam-based pharmacist Albertus Seba (1665-1736) had a passion that led him far beyond the call of duty. His amazing, unprecedented collection of animals, plants and insects from all around the world gained international fame during his lifetime. In 1731, after decades of collecting, he commissioned illustrations of each and every specimen and arranged the publication of a four-volume catalogue detailing his entire collection - from strange and exotic plants to snakes, frogs, crocodiles, shellfish, corals, insects, butterflies and more, as well as fantastic beasts such as a seven-headed hydra. No ownership marks and no signs of use.