Description
Price $425.00
Please read this description carefully as it might be a bit complicated.
"The NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW-YORK, ZOOLOGY', in 3 volumes, by James E. Dekay, 1842. Each volume measures 11 3/4" X 9 1/2". I believe these are first editions.
One volume is in very good condition aside from separating and chipping of the cloth along the spine having an old tape job to the covers. Otherwise, the binding is tight with very minor foxing and toning to the text and plates. The other two volumes are in excellent condition, very tight bindings, slight soiling to the covers, some foxing and some water staining to the plates. Ex Historical library copy with bookplate, rubber stamp, collectors stamp and inscribed name on the inside front cover, each volume.
Although they are being offered as three volumes, one volume is somewhat separate from the other two. I will try to explain!
The single volume has a 178 page introduction by William H. Seward, interestingly followed by a 7 page note on the New York Penitentiary system and two illustrations of aqueducts, then 146 pages regarding "The New-York Fauna" and 33 plates relating to mammals of New York by artist John W. Hill.
The other two volumes are concerned with the reptiles and fishes of New York. One volume is 415 pages relating to reptiles, amphibians and fishes. The other volume is the companion volume with 23 plates illustratingf reptiles and amphibians, and 79 plates illustrating various fishes, eels, etc.
As I'm sure any dealer or collector can tell by my descriptions; I am not an expert in antiquarian books. Nevertheless, I have tried to describe the books accurately.
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