CURTIS, Henry (1819-1889). Beauties of the Rose, containing portraits of the principal varieties of the choicest perpetuals. With plain instructions for their cultivation. Bristol and London: John Lavars and Groombridge & Sons, 1850-1853.

2 volumes in one, 4to (270 x 216 mm). Lithographed calligraphic titles printed in gold, 38 hand-colored lithographic plates by John Lavars after Henry Curtis. (Very occasional light spotting.) Original green cloth, gilt-lettered spine (recased, spine sunned, light spotting to covers).

FIRST EDITION. A fine selection of the rose cultivars or hybrids available through a commercial nursery. Curtis was the proprietor of the West of England Roseries, Moorend, Bristol and apparently of another nursery at Westbury-on-Trym. He appears to have drawn all of the plates from examples grown in his own nurseries, and with each gives practical advice on their cultivation based on his own experiences. Great Flower Books, p.88; Nissen BBI 435; Pritzel 435.