Bruxelles [Brussels], Hayez, 1908-1909. Three parts in one. Large 4to (31.8 x 24.6 cm). 223 pp.; 219 text illustrations, six fine chromolithographed plates. Near contemporary half morocco over patterned boards. Spine with five raised bands, gilt bands and title. Brown endpapers. Original printed wrappers bound in.

Written by the French entomologist René Martin (1846-1925). Part of a larger series, initiated and financially supported by the Belgian entomologist and father of modern odonatology, Baron Michel Edmond de Selys Longchamps (1813-1900). This is the only part dealing with the dragonfly family Aeschnidae, also known as darners or hawkers. The illustrations are truly excellent. Several species are described as new. According to Wascher and Dupont, "Selys" shaped the classification of Odonata and described over 700 species, established 134 valid genera within the Odonata. "Importantly, his influence in Odonate studies reached beyond his death. The millions invested in the huge project 'Collections zoologiques Selys Longchamps' made it possible for a next generation within the Odonate community to travel to diverse collections and publish in the spirit of Selys. There are few animal taxa, and fewer groups of insects, whose behaviour and ecology are well enough documented to permit the integrated, taxon-focused treatment attempted in this book. All these facts put the taxonomy of the group on a solid footing and provided the base to make Odonata one the best studied animal groups known" (Wascher and Dupont). As indicated by the title, this work was largely based on Selys's magnificent collection. "In December 1904 Martin wrote ... that the revision of the aeschnines was approaching completion, which was published in 1908-1909. In 1912 Martin submitted a manuscript on calopterygines series, but it was never published even though financial accounts indicated that it was actually written and presented to be printed" (Wascher and Dupont). A small leaf with taxonomical notes loosely inserted. A few annotations in light pencil, otherwise a mint copy. Very rare. We found no auction records whatsoever. Wascher, M. T. and H. J. Dupont (2013) Life and work of Michel Edmond de Selys Longchamps (1813-1900), the founder of Odonatology. Odonatologica 42(4).; Cat. BM(NH) Supplement, p. 804.