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 by James Francis Stephens - 1828

London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1828 A very good copy of the full 11 volume set with supplement, bound in 9 volumes, with 94 (of 95) hand-coloured plates by Curtis and Westwood. The set has been bound in matching green morocco half leather bindings with marbled boards and endpapers. The spines have raised bands and gilt compartments and titles. All are sound and clean, with some degree of scuffing and wear, particularly Mandibulata VII which has a little staining to the front board. Mandibulata Vols I and II bound together. Vol I: tile page 1828 plus title page for Part 1 dated 1827; introduction; 186pp; plate list and errata; 9 plates. Vol II: 1829; 200 pp; plate list and errata; 6 plates. Mandibulata III: 1830; 374pp plate list and errata; 4 plates. Mandibulata IV: 1831; 413 pp; plate list and errata; 4 plates. Mandibulata V: 1832; 364 pp; Appendices and errata to Vols I-V - 365-440; index and plate list; 4 plates. Mandibulata VI: 1835; 240 pp; plate list and errata; 7 plates. Mandibulata VII and Supplement in one Vol. VII: 1835; 310 pp; plate list, advert for Manual of British Beetles, errata; 6 plates. Supplement: 1846; vi; 33 pp; 13 plates. Haustellata Vols I & II bound in one: Vol I: 1828; 151 pp; plate list; 12 plates. Vol II:1829; 202 pp; plate list and errata; 12 plates. Haustellata Vol III: 1829; 336 pp; plate list and errata; 8 plates. Haustellata Vol IV: 1834; 433 pp; postscript, plate list and errata; 9 plates. There is occasional spotting, particularly adjacent to the marbled endpapers, and usually in margins. There is a toned area to pp 266-7 of Mand. Vol III; and some ink marking on pp 276-7 of Mand. VII. The plates are clean with occasional light marking. The first part of Mandibulata was clearly bound later because the page edges are a little grubby. The plate numbers alternate to latin numerals. Vol VII of Mandibulata has an additional plate - plate XXXVII - which is missing from the Plate list and is instead listed in the Supplement. The Supplement lacks plate XLVII. This was Stephens' major work and despite occupying at least 20 years of his time, and considerable resources, was not completed. It is of interest that it contains the first printed reference to Charles Darwin, who sent Stephens some specimens, and was delighted to see his name in print. Please enquire if you would like to see additional images of this work.