Michaux, F[rancois] Andre & Nuttall, Thomas, The North American Sylva; or A Description of the Forest Trees of the United States, Canada, and Nova Scotia…

Philadelphia: Robert P. Smith, 1854-1855, tall octavo, six volumes, complete with all 277 colored engravings, bound in original green cloth, some scuffing and edge wear to bindings, spine ends of several volumes lightly frayed, front inner hinge of first Michaux volume cracked, scattered light foxing to title-pages and text, occasional light foxing to plates and plate versos, a generally clean well engraved and nicely colored set of the plates. A nice set of this important work on North American botany, which first appeared in Paris in 1810-1813. “It is no exaggeration to remark that it is the most complete work of its kind, and is a production of unrivalled interest and beauty.” – Sabin. The plates in the Michaux volumes were printed from the original French copperplates, most of which are signed by either Pancrace Bessa or by one of the Redoutes. The volumes by Nuttall were planned to supplement the work of Michaux. These volumes include species Michaux missed as well as new ones identified by Nuttall during his travels in the Midwest and in the West. Bennett, p. 76; Sabin 48695; see Meisel III pp. 379-381, 435-436                                            sold.