London: Richard Taylor for C.E. Sowerby, 1832-[1846]. Second edition. 12 volumes, 8vo (218 x 133 mm). Numerous hand-colored plates (foxing throughout, some offsetting.) Late 19th century olive half morocco with spines in 6 compartments; significant rubbing, front boards on volumes III and V detached but present, minor losses along extremities; bookplates of British industrialist Sir Arthur John Dorman, 1st Baronet.

English Botany was conceived, illustrated, and published by James Sowerby with the assistance of Linnean Society founder Sir James Edward Smith. Smith wrote the technical descriptions of each plant specimen, but declined to be named as co-author--due to Sowerby's lower social status--until after the work became a success. "English Botany is of value even to the present day as a work of reference, and as an illustrated flora of our country it has never been surpassed" (Henrey, p. 143).