Fabre’s Book of Insects

First edition, first impression.  Undated [1921].  [viii], 184pp, plus tipped in colour plate frontispiece and eleven further tipped in colour plates, each with a captioned tissue-guard.  Handsomely rebound in a fine binding of cushioned Tuscan-red morocco by the binder, AB, whose monogram stamp appears at the rear, dated 1980. With gilt  decorations and lettering and recessed, inlaid decoration on grey morocco on front and rear, the inlay panels surrounded by single gilt fillet borders.  Brown textured endpapers.  Top edge gilt.   4to.  Binding is fine.  There is a little aging to the original pages else volume neat, clean, bright and tight.  No ownership marks or inscriptions.  

A condensed and stunningly illustrated version of Jean-Henri Fabre’s (1823-1925) ten-volume work on insects.  The text base on Alexander Teixeira de Mattos’ unabridged translation of Fabre’s ‘Entomological Memoirs;, retold in abridged form by Mrs Rodolph Stawell (who also wrote ‘Fairies I Have Met’) and aimed at a younger audience.  It is accompanied by twelve intricate and dreamy full colour illustrations,  all by E J Detmold which compliment perfectly Fabre’s whimsical style in describing the six-legged little creatures.  A sought after and scarce volume made unique by its handsome and well-crafted binding.  An extraordinary copy of an acknowledged classic of illustrative art.

Statement of purchase  dated 2002 loosely laid in giving partial provenance.