MAUDSLAY, Alfred Percival (1850-1931). Biologia Centrali-Americana; or Contributions to the Knowledge of the Fauna and Flora of Mexico and Central America. Archaeology. London: R. H. Porter, February 1889-August 1902.

First edition of Maudslay's superb archaeological photography of the Yucatan, including iconic early images of Chichen Itza, plates only. A natural scientist by training, Maudslay spent several years in the British colonial service in Trinidad, Australia, and Fiji before leaving to pursue his own interests in Guatemala. He excavated at several important Mayan sites and was the first to provide detailed decriptions of Yaxchilan and Chichen Itza. Over the course of six expeditions, he made careful records of his findings, including plaster casts of Mayan carvings to send back to museums in England and the US as well as significant use of dry plate photography. The photos were published as part of Godman and Salvin's encyclopedia of Mexican natural history, which was issued in 215 parts from 1879 to 1902. Unfortunately printed on acid paper, they are rare in good condition. This set contains only the archaeological plates. Palau 158502, 158506.

Four volumes in sixteen parts, oblong folio (334 x 505mm). 4 general titles, with contents leaves for each volume bound in final part, 120 + 98 + 82 + 93 plates including both original and replacement of I.49, some double-page or folding, some in color (some leaves toned particularly the lithographic plates, first plate in each part with uneven browning, some small edge repairs and one plate with repair in printed area but no loss). Original printed boards backed with green cloth (Some boards a little spotted or worn, some splitting at joints); all kept in 4 custom boxes.