Included in this lot:

Horned Viper or Cerastes. 122
Spectacle Snake or Cobra de Capello. 74
Canine Boa or Dog-Headed Snake. 24


Description of the work:

The Naturalist's Miscellany was a monumental 24-volume work, known for its wide range of birds, reptiles, insects, quadrupeds, sea life, and botanicals. These prints are highly sought after by collectors for their extremely decorative and whimsical nature. George Shaw authored the work, providing details for the over 1000 species described therein. Fredrick Nodder was the engraver for most of the work. After his death in 1800, however, his son took over the position. The work was published in London from 1789 to 1813.

Each engraving features beautiful, original hand-coloring on woven, J. Whatman watermarked paper. The original descriptive text (sometimes in both English and Latin) is included with each engraving.

George Shaw was a doctor, Fellow of the Royal Society, co-founder of the Linnean Society, and a zoologist of the British Museum. He was also the first to publish a scientific description of the platypus which was done in his noted work with Frederick Nodder, the Naturalist?s Miscellany.


Paper Size: ~ 5 3/8" by 8 3/4"


Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Engraving

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be some faint offset or very light marks of imperfections to be expected with age which is common to this work, but generally one of the cleaner sets we've seen. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.