Illustrations of British Entomology; or, a synopsis of indigenous insects: containing their generic and specific distinctions; with an account of their metamorphoses, times of appearance, localities, food, and economy, as far as practicable.
Eur 2,200 / USD 2,300
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Haustellata (&) Mandibulata. London, Baldwin and Cradock/ Henry G.Bohn, 1827-1846. 12 volumes (including supplement), bound in 8. Royal-8vo (225 x 140mm). With 95 fine handcoloured plates. Contemporary half calf, spines with gilt lettered red and green labels, marbled sides.
Darwin's insects in Stephens' "Illustrations of British entomology". Charles Darwin was extremely proud when, as a student at Cambridge, his name appeared in these classic volumes on entomology. As he later recalled in his Autobiography "But no pursuit at Cambridge was followed with nearly so much eagerness or gave me so much pleasure as collecting beetles. It was the mere passion for collecting, for I did not dissect them and rarely compared their external characters with published descriptions, but got them named anyhow".
While at the University of Cambridge, the student Charles Darwin became an enthusiastic insect collector. He sent Stephens records of the rarer insects he had captured, and was delighted when 'Illustrations of British entomology' gave him credit for capturing insects described in 33 entries. Darwin recalled in his autobiography "No poet ever felt more delight at seeing his first poem published than I did at seeing in Stephen's Illustrations of British Insects the magic words, captured by C. Darwin, Esq.'"
This extensive work consists of 7 volumes comprising the Mandibulata, 4 volumes comprising the Haustellata, and 1 supplement-volume. The plates are beautifully coloured by hand, all after drawings by C.M. Curtis and J.O. Westwood. James Francis Stephens (1792-1852) 'worked for many years as a clerk in the Admiralty, London. In 1818 he was seconded to the British Museum, and on completion of his work returned to the Admiralty. He made a large insect collection, which contained many type specimens. After his retirement this collection was purchased by the British Museum. Stephens published many important works...' (Harvey, Gilbert & Martin, A Catalogue of manuscripts in the Entomological Library... 309). A nice copy.
Nissen ZBI, 3994; Horn-Schenkling 21375.