London: Published for the Ray Society by Robert Hardwicke, 1861-1864. First edition. 2 parts bound in one, folio (362 x 255 mm). 29 engraved plates with hand-coloring. Modern cloth, light spotting to plates; ownership signature dated 1900; stamp of Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.

"Since the publication of Dr. Lister's treatise [Tractatus de Araneis] in 1678, little attention has been bestowed upon the natural history of spiders in this country, till within the last thirty years...under these circumstances, it is hoped that the present imperfect endeavour...will be regarded with due consideration for the numerous and great difficulties by which the undertaking is surrounded" (Preface, p.[1]).