THORNTON, Robert John (1768-1837). Temple of Flora, or Garden of the Botanist, Poet, Painter, and Philosopher. London: for the author, 1812.

Large 4to (408 x 320 mm). Engraved color-printed and hand-colored frontispiece, engraved title on two leaves, vignette head-piece on first leaf; 2 stipple engravings, 28 color-printed and hand-colored engraved plates. Original boards uncut, printed lettering-piece on spine (neat repairs to hinges and spine ends, some light soiling and wear); morocco-backed folding case.

FIRST QUARTO EDITION OF THORNTON'S MASTERPIECE, the so-called "Lottery Edition," IN ORIGINAL BOARDS

The edition, according to Dunthorne, was published initially as fourth level prizes in the lottery that Thornton ran in an attempt to recoup the losses he had incurred during the production of the folio work. The majority of the plates are reduced copies of those found in the original large folio edition, but also include one plate (Artichoke Protea by Quilley after Henderson) that is new for this edition. Dunthorne 302; see Nissen BBI 1955; see Stafleu & Cowan TL2 14.283.