Item Details
Beschreibung von allerley Insecten in Deutschland. nebst nützlichen Anmerkungen und nöthigen Abbildungen von diesem kriechenden und fliegenden inländischen Gewürme.
Berlin: Friedrich Nicolai, 1721-1779. First Edition. Hardcover. An unusually fine copy of [the textblock of] the first edition 'of the first important German treatise on insects' (Miall p. 240). 'Frisch was a careful and diligent observer, bent not merely upon observing, but upon interpreting the facts of structures and habit. He takes one insect at a time, describes its external features, figures it in all stages, if possible, and tells all that he has been able to discover about its mode of life' (Miall pp. 240-1). Johann Leonard Frisch (1666-1743) was also the author of several dictionaries (and is remembered for introducing the mulberry into Prussia). The present work was issued over a period of 18 years describing some 300 different insects. The exceptional plates were engraved from Frisch's own drawings (many by his son, Philip Jacob). It is very uncommon to find such a nice copy of this book, most often found in poor condition. HagenI, 254; Miall, L.C., (The Early Naturalists: Their Lives and Work (1580-1789)), pp. 240-244). A handsome textblock, in need to rebinding. Poor (Text Block Near Fine). Moderate/heavy shelf wear, corners through, front and rear boards separated from spine, majority of spine leather missing, else tight, bright and unmarred. Full brown leather, decorative endpages. 8vo. Non-sequential pagination. Illus. (b/w plates). Item #2872
Price: $2,000.00