The Natural History of British Insects; explaining them in their Several States, with the Periods of their Transformation, their Food, Oeconomy, &c. Together with the History of such Minute Insects as require Investigation by the Microscope. The Whole illustrated by Coloured Figures, designed and executed from Living Specimens.

FIRST EDITION. 16 volumes bound in 8. 8vo. (23.5 x 14 cm). Contemporary full calf richly gilt, sides ruled with wide gilt foliate borders, spines with raised bands and richly gilt in compartments, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers and edges. 576 fine hand-coloured engraved plates by and after Donovan. Some light shelfwear to bindings, contents clean and crisp save for the odd occasional spot and one example of a brown splash in Vol. 16 affecting pp. 33-37, generally an excellent set in particularly handsome bindings. Fine, complete set of first issues of Edward Donovan's comprehensive guide to the complex and diverse world of insect life in Britain. This handsome work was originally intended to be published in ten volumes in 1801. However, with Donavan's acquisition of additional specimens and two complete cabinets of insects, the decision was taken to continue the series and a further 6 volumes were published from 1806 onwards. Organised into sections that cover various habitats and environments found around the British Isles, each description is accompanied by a highly detailed engraving, that provides visual illumination of the species' physical characteristics, behaviour and ecological role. Donovan's comprehensive work not only reflects the growing interest in the natural world from the general public, it equally reflects the emergence of the field of entomology as a distinct scientific discipline. Nissen ZBI 1142.…