This rare line engraving of Spartium ferox is Plate XC from Stirpes novae, aut minus cognitae, quas descriptionibus eticonibus illustravit by Charles-Louis L'Heritier de Brutelle. Published by Philippe-Dionysius Pierres, Paris 1784-1785. The engravers for this work were Juillet, Milsan, Hubert, Maleuvre and others after drawings by Pierre-Joseph Redoute?, L Fossier, Prevost, Jossignoy, Aubriet, Bruguihre, and J. Sowerby.This book is splendid in its spacious descriptions, its charming exotic plates, its implications for taxonomic history; and fascinating as an imposing piece of eighteenth-century bookmaking. The six fascicles were issued with pagination but leaves unsigned. L?Heritier never completed the work for which at least 120 plates were projected. Size: approx. 20.25in x 13.25in (51.3cm x 33.7 cm)

Some spotting in the margin and soiling - please check image carefully.