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Author: Topsell, Edward
Title: The History of Four-footed Beasts and Serpents... Collected out of the Writings of Conradus Gesner and Other Authors... whereunto is now added The Theater of Insects
Place Published: London
Publisher:Printed by E. Cotes, for G. Sawbridge... T. Williams..., and T. Johnson
Date Published: 1658
Description: 3 volumes in 1 with continuous pagination. [16], 818, [18], 889-1130, [6] pp. Woodcut vignette on title page, floriated initials, profusely illustrated with woodcuts in text. (Folio) 32x20.5 cm (12¾x8"), 19th century speckled calf by Lloyd, Wallis, & Lloyd (signed on front free endpaper verso), covers with French fillet and gilt trefoil, raised bands with compartments elaborately gilt and two morocco lettering pieces, gilt dentelle inners, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt.First complete edition of Topsell's bestiary, containing the First Edition in English of Moffett's Theatre of Insects. The first edition had been published in 1607. Illustrating mythological creatures upon the word of "sundry learned men" with more common animals whose anatomy was well-known, Topsell's is equal parts fable and natural history, relating the wonders of nature heightened by fantasy. Provenance: From the collection of Phil Lenna. Morocco bookplate of W.A.M. Burden (William Armistead Burden), American politician and aviation consultant. References: Nissen 4147; ESTC R6249; Wing G624.

Moderate binding wear, front hinge starting; occasional foxing, top and fore-edge trimmed close, but only slight loss at two woodcuts; half-title re-attached, half and title pages pressed and possibly washed; overall near fine and rarely found in better condition.