Important Notice

More Images

Edward Donovan, Natural History of the Insects of India, containing upwards of Two Hundred and Twenty Figures and descriptions by E Donovan: Brought down to the present state of the Science, with systematic characters of each Species, Synonyms, Indexes, and other additional matter, by J O Westwood, London: Henry G Bohn, 1842

vi and 102 pages with 57 of 58 full-page fine hand coloured engraved plates; contemporary full leather bound with gilded leather title ticket pasted on the front board and spine with 4 raised bands
30.5 x 24.2 x 3.5 cm

The most beautiful work on the insects of India and the first illustrated publication dealing with the Entomology of India.

First published in 1800 with title An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of India appeared in parts, commencing in the year 1800, according to the preface in the new edition. At the period when the first edition of this work was presented to the public, the study of exotic insects, and indeed the science of Entomology itself, had made but little progress in India.

The superb hand-coloured plates capture the metallic brilliance and iridescence of the exotic insects. Most of the plates depict butterflies together with exotic plants. "The paint is laid on so thickly that it is frequently impossible to see the engraved lines underneath. The already rich colouring is heightened by the addition of burnished highlights, albumen overglazes and metallic paints to give an overall effect reminiscent of the work of a miniaturist. Surprisingly, these techniques were often combined to produce a very pleasing and delicate effect: the multiple ruses of the colourist triumph over the draughtsman's numerous failures. Donovan overreached himself and died penniless." (Dance, Art of Natural History, p. 87)

Edward Donovan (1768-1837) was a prolific natural history writer and illustrator. His most important works include 'The Natural History of British Insects' (1792-1813), and two companion works to this volume on Indian insects: 'An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of China' (1798), and 'An Epitome of the Insects of New Holland, New Zealand, New Guinea, Otaheite, and Other Islands in the Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans' (1805).

He published various zoological and entomological works. He owned one of the most extensive natural history collections of his time, housed in his private museum, the well-known London Museum and Institute of Natural History.

NON-EXPORTABLE