The Insect by Michelet, Jules

The Insect, Michelet, Jules. T. Nelson and Sons, London, 1883. 8vo up to 9½" tall. 369 pages illustrated with 140 exquisite plates and vignettes specifically designed for the English edition by Hector Giacomelli. Translated by and with a forward by William Henry Davenport. Brick red cloth boards with detailed floral, insect and bird illustrations in black and gilt to both front and spine; rear board paneled with floral borders; beveled edges; all edges gilt; black endpapers. A lovely copy with light rubbing to edges and a few small scratch marks to rear board. Contents are clean without inscriptions, tears or folds; light and very occasional foxing; front hinge at free endpaper is lightly cracked. Contents: Introduction; Book I Metamorphosis; Book II Mission and Arts of the Insect; Book III Communities of Insects; Conclusion, Illustrative Notes, Analysis of Subjects. The Insect is one of four works in which French historian Jules Michelet (1798-1874) wrote about his study of nature. Published after his death, it has become a beloved tome of his work. Hector Giacomelli (1822-1904) was a French watercolorist, engraver and illustrator, best known for his paintings of birds.