A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

London: Printed by T. Bensley, and Published by the Author, 1797-(1804). In six volumes (of an eventual 10). First edition. 4to, 10 9/16 x 8 1/8 in. (268 x 206 mm). With general title-page in first volume (often discarded, Stafleu & Cowan 135), alphabetical index for Volumes I-V in same, and each volume with plate index at rear. Illustrated with six engraved title-pages and 432 engraved plates (three folding) by Andrew, many printed in blue-green ink, with fine contemporary hand-coloring, many heightened in gum arabic (many plates on J. Whatman watermarked paper, dated 1801 or 1803; one plate in third volume dated 1794; many plates at rear of sixth volume dated 1804). Each plate with accompanying text, by John Kennedy (Vols. I-V) and A. Haworth (Vol. VI). Contemporary full green straight-grain morocco, stamped in gilt, spines faded, scattered light wear to spine ends, some light scratching to boards; all edges gilt; contemporary ownership signature in pencil at head of engraved title-page in first volume; foxing and offsetting to engraved title-pages; offsetting from plates onto text; scattered, mostly light, foxing to plates and text; most plates trimmed at or within platemark, affecting some plate numbers, imprints, and titles. Dunthorne 8; Great Flower Books, p.155; Stafleu & Cowan 135

A handsome first edition set of Henry C. Andrews's important periodical on exotic plants, featuring 432 magnificently hand-colored engravings, and with accompanying explanatory text by John Kennedy and A. Haworth. " A fine and interesting work of distinct individuality and character." (Dunthorne). Andrews began publishing this work to rival William Curtis's popular Curtis's Botanical Magazine, and featured many new and exotic plants not featured in Curtis's work. Published over 18 years (there would be four more volumes following the sixth), Andrews work had a lasting influence on horticulture, and this publication identified many unknown species and the means to identify them.