Histoire Naturelle Des Serpens Conte De La Cepede, Cobra,Vipers, Fer de Lance Snakes
LAS14 $695
We are pleased to offer Volume 2 of Histoire Naturelle Generale Des Serpens in its entirety, published in 1789. It is remarkable for a beautiful period French binding, valuable in itself, with an ornate gilt spine embellished with flowers & decorative elements. The original 18th century marbled endpapers are intact and the binding full calf in good condition with some wear and scuffing as shown. Though the corners are bumped, it is in very good condition for its age of about 226 years old and it resonates history!
The contents of the volume are complete with 22 full page black and white copper engravings drawn by de Seve including many venomous and dangerous snakes including the Fer de Lance, very deadly, Spectacled Cobra, Golden Lance Head Pit Viper, and also the Boa Constrictor, the Two Headed Snake and more. There are several decorative chapter headings or ends. There is very scant foxing & the pages of text, in French, of course, are clean & lightly toned white with a very few fox marks. An excellent and decorative volume.
16 /4 by 10 inches open, 10 by 7 1/2 inches closed.
