Paris, Crevot et Mequignon-Marvis, 1821-1831. 17 volumes in 19. 8vo (20.3 x 12.5 cm). With 546 engraved plates, all but one nicely hand-coloured. Contemporary near uniform half calf over marbled boards. Spines with four raised bands, gilt linings (more elaborate at spine ends), black or brown morocco labels with gilt titles. Marbled flyleaves.

A very rare complete set of this beautiful standard work on butterflies and their caterpillars. More than 4000 butterflies and molths are illustrated in great detail, and many new taxa are introduced. The smaller and more obscure species are also treated in detail. The work was started by Jean Baptiste Godart (1775-1825), up to and including Volume V, and was continued and finished by Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel (1774-1846). The parts on caterpillars were co-authored by Achille Guénée (1809-1880). One plate not coloured, as intended. Provenance: with on the front pastedowns a pictorial bookplate of Christian Sigrist. Some text pages and plates a bit foxed or more evenly tanned, as usual. One volume (XI) in a new binding of very high quality, matching all the details of the other volumes. One volume with some damp-staining to the text, creasing to a few text leaves, and patches of mildew to two plates; otherwise very good. A very attractive and complete set. Hagen I, p. 288; Horn-Schenkling, 5578; Nissen ZBI, 1212, 1598.