The North American Sylva, Michaux and Nuttall, 1871, Five Volumes

François André Michaux (1770-1855) and Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859). The North American Sylva, or A Description of the Forest Trees of the United States, Canada, and Nova Scotia. Philadelphia: William Rutter, 1871. Five volumes. 6.75" x 10.25". Steel-engraved frontispiece portrait of Michaux by H.B. Hall after Rembrandt Peale and 277 hand-colored engraved or lithographed plates after Bessa, Redouté and others. Occasional age toning and spotting to plates and text. Contemporary brown half morocco gilt over marbled boards, gilt edges. With rubbing and wear to covers. Ex-library numbers present. Should be inspected, but a very presentable and extremely restorable set. Prices at auction for similar sets, including those at Christie's and Freeman’s, range from $2,500-$3,500.

Later edition. "Few American color plate books had such lasting popularity as this classic work on American trees, or as tangled a publication history... In 1856 a fire destroyed the premises of the publisher of the joint edition. The Michaux plates were saved, but the Nuttall stones were evidently lost, and the later joint editions used new stones" (Reese, Stamped with a National Character: Nineteenth Century American Color Plate Books 21). Sabin 48695 & 56351 ("Of the two works united, it is no exaggeration to remark that it is the most complete work of its kind and is a production of unrivaled interest and beauty"). 

The most important work relating to American trees prior to the 20th century, this publication is the product of the efforts of two of the greatest naturalists to work in 19th-century America, French botanist François André Michaux and English botanist Thomas Nuttall. The beautifully executed plates illustrate the leaves and nuts or berries of American trees across the entire continent. Michaux's work is based on his extensive travels in the eastern half of America, and those of his father, André Michaux. Thomas Nuttall was one of the most fearless American naturalists of his day, traveling extensively in the Mississippi Valley and the Far West in the 1820s and 1830s to gather botanical specimens. 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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