Braunschweig, F. Vieweg und Sohn, 1875. 8vo (21.2 x 13.0 cm). xvii, 639 pp.; 188 text figures. Later half calf over marbled boards, spine with five raised bands, green morocco label with gilt title. Speckled edges.

The very rare first edition of this great herpetological book by Egid[io] Schreiber (1836-1913) containing a wealth of information on the European and adjacent herpetofauna, with detailed descriptions and notes on habitats, behaviour, distribution, etc. In fact nearly all that was known about western Palearctic reptiles up to 1875 can be found here. "His primary herpetological project was to produce the first comprehensive summary of the herpetofauna of continental Europe" (Adler). The many text engravings are very detailed. Stamps on half-title and title (pasted over), and title page verso. The spine is a later replacement, the boards are older. Still a very good, clean copy. Adler III, pp. 136-137. Not in Nissen.