The Botanic Garden; A Poem in Two Parts. Part I. Containing The Economy of Vegetation. Part II. The Loves of the Plants with Philosophical Notes.

ERASMUS DARWIN

Published by London: Printed for J. Johnson, 1794-75, 1794

About this Item

Third edition (part I) & fourth edition (part II). Two volumes bound as one. Leather-bound. Hardcover. Large quarto (29cm x 22cm x 5cm). Pp. xx, 218, 124 additional notes, [2]; [4], viii, 200, [3]. English text. Bound in modern full leather with smooth spine. 1 engraved frontispiece, 18 engraved plates as called for plus extra plate opposite p. 87 (some plates folding). Initial and terminal blanks present. Condition: GOOD. Part II lacking frontispiece but otherwise complete. Binding secure. Minor shelf wear to covers. Interior very well-preserved with just a couple of leaves with some spotting. First title-page with small corner piece missing. Contemporary ownership details neatly inked to front endpaper. Notes: The first major literary work by Erasmus Darwin, with scientific and botanical themes which are believed to have influenced the development of his grandson Charles' ideas, later developed into the theory of evolution. Bentley, Blake Books p. 547. Marvellously illustrated - the Fertilisation of Egypt plate to Vol I by William Blake, plus 4 engravings of the Portland Vase which bear no imprint but: " Blake's responsibility is indicated by Joseph Johnson's letter to Erasmus Darwin on 23 July 1791 in which he states, 'Blake is certainly capable of making an exact copy of the vase'" (Bentley).

Seller Inventory # MFR028

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Botanic Garden; A Poem in Two Parts. Part I. Containing The Economy of Vegetation. Part II. The Loves of the Plants with Philosophical Notes.
• Publisher: London: Printed for J. Johnson, 1794-75
• Publication Date: 1794
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good