Charles Plumier (1646-1704).
Description des Plantes de l'Amerique. Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1693.
First edition of Plumier’s first botanical publication, the rare first issue with the incorrect date MDCCXIII on the title page (but the correct date on the colophon). A large copy in an unrestored contemporary binding. Plumier made three separate expeditions to the Caribbean, in 1689, 1693, and 1695. On the first of these he accompanied physician Joseph Surian; on the last two he travelled alone as botaniste du roi. He discovered, drew, and described hundreds of new species, and left behind over 6,000 detailed drawings of West Indian plants. Many of Plumier’s generic names were adopted by Linnaeus and are still in use today, among them ‘Fuchsia’, ‘Caesalpinia’, and Magnolia. The present work, based on his second trip, was his first botanical publication. ABPC/RBH record only 4 copies in last 35 years (two second issue, the other two unspecified). Alden & Landis 693/137; Hunt 389; Nissen BBI 1544; Sabin 63455; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 8066.

Folio (420 x 267mm). Large engraved title vignette, 108 leaves of engraved plates after drawings by Plumier (occasional spotting or browning, minor dampstain to upper blank margin of some plates). Contemporary speckled calf, spine decoratively gilt, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt.

Early engraved bookplate with bull passant to verso of title – Dr. L. Lutrand (early 20th-century bookplate).

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