Conchology.- Knorr (Georg Wolfgang) Les Delices des Yeux et de l'Esprit

Conchology.- Knorr (Georg Wolfgang) Les Delices des Yeux et de l'Esprit, ou Collection Generale des Differentes Especes de Coquillages, 6 vol. in 3, first edition in French, 6 additional engraved titles and 180 plates, all finely hand-coloured, plus 10 superb mezzotint plates at the end of vol.6, all plates with tissue-guards, handsome contemporary panelled calf, gilt, some joints just starting to crack, decorated edges, extremities a little rubbed, [Dance, "Delights for the Eyes and the Mind: A Brief Survey of Conchological Books" (http://www.bio-nica.info/biblioteca/DanceBibliophile.pdf); Landwehr, Dutch Books with Coloured Plates 96; Nissen, ZBI 2235], 4to, Nuremberg, 1764-73. *** An exceptional set in almost unblemished condition. "Les délices des yeux et de l'esprit"...is truly a deluxe production which eventually portrayed nearly a thousand shells on 190 plates. The engravings, accurately drawn, meticulously hand-coloured and attractively arranged, are among the most aesthetically satisfying of all published figures of shells. The text, describing the appearance of the shells and little else, was made superfluous by the excellence of the figures, but this did not prevent the book appealing to a wide circle. Indeed, it was so popular that, although Knorr died in 1761, five more parts were added by 1772 and a Dutch edition was also produced. Once again various private collectors made this book possible, their names being elegantly engraved on the plates below the figures of their shells." (Dance). Provenance: A.M. Labouchere (bookplate and ink insciption to each vol.); Smith-Dorrien family bookplate.

Estimation:€9,551.21

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