Descripción
"3 parts in one volume, folio (19 3/4 x 14 1/2 in.; 50.2 x 36.8 cm). Three title-pages, the first with tinted lithographed vignette, 30 handcolored lithographic plates after J. D. Hooker by Walter H. Fitch; frontispieces a bit loose, pl. 3 creased in upper left corner with a slight nick, pl. 6-7 with lightly discolored vertical band from exhibition mylar, long scratch through 2 rhododendron leaves and small tear on bottom margin of pl. 15, and long vertical crease on pl. 30 text leaf. Half brown-black morocco over olive cloth, smooth spine lettered gilt; cloth on front cover blistering and starting to lift at corners, boards slightly splayed. HOOKER'S SUPERB WORK ON RHODODENDRONS, "an important work, both for the botanist and horticulturist since it contains descriptions and plates of many of the best garden Rhododendron species which and be grown in this country" (Great Flower Books). Joseph Dalton Hooker spent several years exploring Sikkim, as well as parts of Nepal and Tibet. His field notes were sent back to England from India to his father, Sir William Hooker, who edited this work, which contains stunning illustrations of many of the best species of rhododendron along with accounts of their discovery. J. H. Hooker's studies of the geography and meteorology of the area were fundamental, and included the explanation of the terracing of mountain valleys by the formation of glacial lakes. The species described vary from "alpines" to small shrubs, climbers, large shrubs, and trees-of the 32 species illustrated and described by Hooker, eight are described as trees. "Hooker's travels added twenty-five new rhododendrons to the fifty already known and the spectacular new species they introduced into Britain helped create a rhododendron craze among British gardeners" (Great Flower Books). The plates were lithographed by Walter Hood Fitch, the most prolific of all botanical artists. Many of the plates contain magnified views of the pistils, stamens, and sections of the ovaries. Fitch's vigorous, confident lines and bold coloring recreated the magnificence of these exotic blooms. "Fitch had the greatest competence of any botanical painter who has yet appeared in drawing the rhododendron …" (Great Flower Books). REFERENCES: Desmond, The European Discovery of the Indian Flora, p. 144; Great Flower Books, p. 101; Nissen 911; An Oak Spring Flora 104; Sitwell & Blunt p. 60; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 2969 PROVENANCE: The Magnificent Library of D.F. Allen (sale, Sotheby's New York, 26 October 2017, lot 22 for $10,625); Doyle's, 12 November 2019, lot 225". N° de ref. del artículo 65ERM0215
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