The Transformations (or Metamorphoses) of Insects

P. Martin Duncan

Published by Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co., London, 1882

About this Item

Third edition of P. Martin Duncan's The Transformations of Insects provides a comprehensive nineteenth century study of the life cycles and biological development of Insecta, Myriapoda, Arachnida, and Crustacea. The text is an adaptation of Emile Blanchard's Metamorphoses, moeurs et instincts des insects, expanded with findings from naturalists such as Charles Darwin and John Lubbock. The volume is profusely illustrated with full page plates and numerous wood engravings throughout the text. It is bound in the original publisher's decorative red cloth, featuring ornate black and gilt stamping on the front board and spine.

Details:
Title: The Transformations (or Metamorphoses) of Insects (Insecta, Myriapoda, Arachnida, and Crustacea)
Author: P. Martin Duncan
Edition: Third Edition. This is identified by the "Third Edition" statement present on the title page and the expanded page count (491 pages) typical of the 1882 revision.
Printing: Likely the first printing of the third edition.
Illustrator: Profusely illustrated with engravings after Emile Blanchard and others.
Language: English
Binding: Original publisher's red cloth, beveled boards, gilt and black decorative stamping.
Dust Jacket: No (as issued).
Publisher: Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co.
Publisher Location: London, Paris & New York.
Year of Publication: Circa 1882.
Weight: Approximately 2.50 lbs.
Collectible Attributes: Third Edition, Decorative Binding, Heavily Illustrated. Corrected and appended edition.

Condition Assessment
This copy is in Good to Very Good condition. The red cloth remains vibrant with clear, bright gilt on the front board and spine, though there is visible rubbing and softening at the spine ends and corners. The binding is structurally sound with beveled edges intact. Internally, the pages show light, uniform toning consistent with age, and there are occasional spots of foxing, primarily on the preliminary leaves and plate margins. The hinges are firm, and the numerous wood engravings remain crisp and clean.

Location: CC.

Seller Inventory # aw35b2

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Transformations (or Metamorphoses) of Insects
• Publisher: Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co., London
• Publication Date: 1882
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 3rd Edition
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Seller catalogs:
  • Natural History