A beautiful illustrated children's natural history book. The plates are illustrated with hundreds of subjects meant to engage and edify the youth of nineteenth century Britain. Each full-page plate features a number of different birds, animals, reptiles, fish, and insects, each set within its proper geographical setting. The text was written by Adam White (1817-1879), the prolific author of natural history books, who served in the British Museum's Zoological Department. White's theories for the education of young people anticipate Froebel's work by utilizing entertaining visual imagery as the major means of instruction. Second edition. Herman Wagner, editor. Plates are printed in a complex early color block printing method and finished by hand. They are very reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints. Text to plates on p. 1-34 with preface. Plates I through XXIV (some actually consisting of two separate full page plates). Missing VI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX. Total of 33 full page illustrations remaining. Hardbound quarter calf with marbled paper boards. Raised gilt spine.

References:

Condition: B

Marbled paper very worn on front cover. Despite the missing plates, still a beautiful and unusual plate book.