2 volumes. [46], 311, [9]; [2], 343, [8], [8], 74, [4] pp. Notes by Alexander Hunter. With copper-engraved frontispiece portrait & 42 copper-engraved plates, 1 of them folding; 3 folding tables. (4to) 11½x8½, later split calf, earlier morocco spine labels retained, later endpapers.
Hunter's superb illustrated edition of Evelyn's seminal work. Blanche Henery, in British Botanical and Horticultural Literature Before 1800, notes "There can be little doubt that, throughout the period covered by the present History, no other work on arboriculture exerted a greater influence on forestry in this country [England] than Evelyn's Sylva...." Originally published in 1664, the book proved to be exceedingly popular and went through numerous printings. By the third printing, Evelyn had written a letter to King Charles II stating, "I need not acquaint your majesty how many millions of timber trees (besides infinite others) have been propagated, planted throughout your vast dominions, at the instigation, and by the sole direction of this work...." Each edition through the fourth was expanded as Evelyn increased his knowledge of arboriculture, a subject that captivated his interest throughout his entire life, and the book remained a valuable resource for the next two centuries. The present edition also contains Evelyn's Terra, itself of great interest. Henrey 140.