PAXTON, JOSEPH, SIR. 1801-1865. Paxton's Magazine of Botany, and Register of Flowering Plants.

London: Orr and Smith, 1834-49. 15 volumes (only, of 16). Half-titles. Illustrated with 698 hand-colored engraved and lithographed plates of flowers by and after Frederick William Smith and Samuel Holden, some double-page or folding; plus woodcut illustrations. 8vo (231 x 155 mm). Period green half morocco and marbled boards, all edges gilt. Overall internally fine, a few folding plates toned near stub, 2 plates in vol 2 foxed, very few scattered other foxmarks, one plate with corner chip; spines browned and with some expert repairs, two covers detached.

First edition. Very attractive set of Paxton's Magazine of Botany, originally issued in monthly numbers. Joseph Paxton was head gardener to the Duke of Devonshire at his Chatsworth Estate. Nissen BBI 2351; Great Flower Books, p 85.

Sold for $6,000 plus Premium and tax

Bonhams. Fine Books and Manuscripts, 17 Feb 2008. San Francisco and Los Angeles