PBA Galleries

Three volumes. 48 hand-colored lithographed plates by W. Richardson, James Black, and others, one lithographed plate of maps, 4 mounted albumen photographs by F. Mason Good of the famed cedars of Lebanon, numerous illustrations in the text. (Folio) 55.5x42 cm (21¾x16½"), period brown half morocco and red cloth, spine ruled and lettered in gilt, raised bands, top edges gilt. First Edition.

This set, originally issued in parts and thus separately paginated throughout, is the first edition of one of the best books ever printed on trees, illustrated with color plates and original photographs of the many varieties of pine trees from all over the world, including California and Mexico. John Lindley contributed botanical descriptions for the first three parts, and Andrew Murray and Maxwell T. Masters wrote the remainder. Due to historical and financial upheavals, work on the “Pinetum” was suspended, but resumed again and it was issued complete in 1884. Parts 1-33 were issued from the private press of Lawson and sons. Parts 34-52 were published by Ravenscroft in London and by W. Blackwood & sons in Edinburgh. Nissen BBI 1588; Great Flower Books, p.127; Stafleu and Cowan 8685. The Hesketh copy sold on 12/07/10 £11,000 hammer.