MASSON (FRANCIS) Stapeliae novae: Or, a Collection of Several New Species of that Genus; Discove...

MASSON (FRANCIS) Stapeliae novae: Or, a Collection of Several New Species of that Genus; Discovered in the Interior Part of Africa, FIRST EDITION, 41 hand-coloured engraved botanical plates, occasional toning and light spotting, contemporary calf gilt, rebacked preserving the original gilt tooled spine with morocco lettering label, modern solander box [Nissen BBI 1301; Great Flower Books, p.118; Henrey III, 1050; Mendelssohn II, p.993], folio (376 x 260mm.), George Nicol, 1796--1797] Footnotes: Francis Masson was the first of the collectors sent out by the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew to collect plants and bulbs from the Cape. Arriving in 1772 on H.M.S. Resolution he undertook at least three separate journeys into the interior. Sir Joseph Banks, instrumental in choosing Masson for the task, also arranged for the publication of Stapelliae Novae, originally issued in four parts. Provenance: Elizabeth H. Gurney, early ownership inscription on front free endpaper. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: • • Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing