[NATURAL HISTORY]. BLACKWALL, John (1790-1881). A History of the Spiders of Great Britain and Ireland. London: Published for the Ray Society by Robert Hardwicke, 1861-1864. 

Two parts bound in one, folio (362 x 255 mm). 29 engraved plates with hand-coloring. (Plates a bit shorter than text.) Modern half morocco; original printed labels for the parts laid down and bound in.

FIRST EDITION. "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]).

Property from the Estate of Peter Fortsas

This lot is located in Chicago.