The Natural History of Plants, Their Forms, Growth, Reproductions, and Distribution by Oliver, F.W. And Anton Kerner Von Mailaun

London; 1894 and 1895: Blackie & Sons Limited. First Edition. Thick Quartos. First edition in English from the German of Anton Kerner von Marilaun, translated by F.W. Oliver. In two volumes; Vol. I: Biology and Configuration of Plants xiv, 777pp., Vol. II: The History of Plants. xiv, 983pp. (1)pp. errata. The original German title was Pflanzenleben. The author wrote this work "so that it might serve as a source of knowledge, not only for specialists and scholars, but also for the many who, though compelled to follow some practical calling, still make an interest in science, and who wish, each in his own particular degree, to obtain information of its progress". The editor of the English edition, and his assitants Marian Busk and Mary F. Ewart produced a beautiful translation of the German text along with over 1000 wood-cut and its 16 remarkable color plates. The text is written in a clear style without all the technical terms used by scholars except where needed. A superb work bound in 1/4 brown morocco over light brown cloth, raised bands ruled in gilt, compartments stamped and lettered in gilt, top edges gilt, marbled endpapers, previous owner's unique bookplate, binder's ticket from Manchester. A very nice set.(heavy set, will need extra shipping cost outside the US).