[Rarebooks] FS: The Great Book on Frogs. Nuremberg: 1753-58

[Karmbooks at aol.com]

(NATURAL HISTORY) Roesel von Rosenhof, August Johann. HISTORIA NATURALIS 
RANARUM in Qua Omnes Earum Proprietates, Praesertim Quae ad Generationem 
Ipsarum Pertinent, Fusius Enarrantur... Nuremberg: Johann Joseph Fleischman. 
(1753)-1758. Tall folio (18-3/4"). 2 parts in 1. (8),viii,(2),36;(37)-116pp. 
Title & text in Latin & German. Added engraved illustrated title (frogs, a 
toad, a salamander and a lizard, in a spectacular pond surrounded by flowers) 
beautifully hand-colored, plus 24 plates following the text, each in two 
states, colored and uncolored (i.e. 48 plates). Additionally, there are large 
engraved scenic headpieces in the text. A lovely copy in original red stained 
calf spine over boards, uncut. Spine ends worn, but overall an excellent 
copy.     $25,000.00 (trade discount allowed)
A beautiful scarce study on the natural history of frogs and toads in great 
detail. This work was begun in 1753 (original preface dated 1753), but 
wasn't completed until 1758, with another preface written by Albrecht von 
Haller. The plates designed by Roesel von Rosenhof and engraved by M. Tyroff are 
spectacular, in bold colors, in the manner of Maria Sybilla Merian. Nissen 
ZBI 3464.

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