[DUKE, J., printer.] The Compleat Florist.London: Printed for J. Duke, sold by J. Robinson, 1747.

Second edition, with contemporary hand-coloring.Each plate depicts the figure of a garden flower with the month it flowers and brief instructions on its culture. The first 6 plates also include the name of the gardener nurseryman responsible for growing the bloom. The elaborate frontispiece gives a view of an imaginary garden. A first edition, in two volumes (with a frontispiece, two titles and 100 plates) was published in 1740 (neither Nissen and Dunthorne mention this edition). Dunthorne 102; Henrey III.568; Nissen BBI 554.

Octavo (228 x 135mm). Engraved throughout. Frontispiece by John Carwitham, title with floral border and 100 plates, all hand-colored in a contemporary hand (browning and spotting throughout). Contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt, red morocco titling piece (covers worn, rebacked preserving original spine). Provenance: A. Craig-Christie (bookplate).