Magnolias, poppies, etc., 1855

Himalayan Plants
Magnolias, poppies, etc., 1855
HOOKER, Joseph Dalton (1817-1911). Illustrations of Himalayan Plants chiefly selected from Drawings made for the late J.F. Cathcart Esq. of the Bengal Civil Service. London: Lovell Reeve, 1855.

First edition of one of the greatest Victorian flower books, subscribed to by Charles Darwin. Hooker wished the present work to stand as a tribute to the botanical research of James F. Cathcart (1802-1851). Cathcart, despite poor health, spent a significant proportion of his life recording the flora of the Himalayas with the aid of "native artists" (he employed up to six working full-time). The present work was financed partly by Cathcart's family, partly by subscription (176 names are listed) and partly by subsequent sales. One of the subscribers was Charles Darwin, among other noteworthies. Most of the plates were re-drawn by W.H. Fitch; in addition Hooker supplied a number of his own drawings of alpine plants at higher elevations than those visited by Cathcart. Fine plates of magnolias, poppies, evergreens, flowering herbs, etc. Great Flower Books (1990) p.101; Jan Lewis Walter Hood Fitch A celebration, p.16; Nissen BBI 910; Stafleu and Cowan 2973.

Folio (507 x 364mm). Letterpress title, dedication leaf, list of subscribers, 4pp. introduction, explanation leaf, text, and index leaf. Lithographic additional title within an elaborate hand-colored border, 24 hand-colored lithographic plates by W.H. Fitch after Hooker and Fitch (pl. 14 with area of offsetting in upper right corner, some edge toning). Original cloth-backed lithographed boards (endpapers acidified, boards worn and darkened).