Buch, Leopold von | Physicalische Beschreibung der Canarischen Inseln, first edition, the Norman copy

Buch, Leopold von

Physicalische Beschreibung der Canarischen Inseln. Berlin: Druckerei der koeniglichen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1825

One volume with atlas plates bound at end, 4to (290 x 206 mm). Half-title, 6 engraved and 3 lithographed folding plates, one of which hand-colored, letterpress index to the plates on 2 folding leaves, several in-text illustrations; foxing and a few stray stains, light creasing to a couple leaves, p. 409-411 mispaginated, one or two plates lightly offset, foxing to most plates. Late nineteenth-century calf, covers decorated in gilt and blind, spine in six compartments, second gilt-lettered on red leather label, sixth gilt-numbered with year, others with decorative gilt motif, by P. Hance, Chelsea; a few scuffs and staining to covers, light rubbing to extremities.

First edition, presentation copy of Buch’s description of the Canary Islands.

The Norman copy.

The atlas to Physicalische Beschreibung der Canarischen Inseln was originally issued in printed boards measuring 553 x 410 mm, but this copy has been cut down and the plates folded, presumably at the direction of its recipient, Dr. Buckland, in order to be bound with the text (Norman).

REFERENCES

Norman 365, this copy

PROVENANCE

William Buckland, English paleontologist (presentation inscription from the author on front fly-leaf, “Pour Monsieur le Dr. W. Buckland with an atlas Oxford de la part de l’auteur,” and Buckland’s cut signature mounted below inscription) — Haskell F. Norman (bookplate to upper pastedown; Christie’s New York, 29 October 1998, lot 963)