Pragae, Theophil Haase, 1836. 8vo (21.2 x 13.8 cm). 290 pp.; 12 folded engraved and lithographed plates. 19th-century grained quarter cloth over black marbled boards. Spine with gilt lines and title.

Important work by the Czech botanist and natural history professor Karel (here: Carolus) Bořivoj (or Boriwog) Presl (1794-1852) on ferns and their systematics, with fine illustrations by the author. Presl was very important in establishing the higher categories in fern systematics. The last plate is a lithograph, the others are copper engravings. Provenance: the name M. Kuhn, dated 1870, written in an old hand on the front free endpaper recto. Old, skilful repair to the title page; paper rather mildly toned, with an occasional spot, but generally clean. A very good copy of this seldom-seen work. Pritzel, 7320; Stafleu and Cowan, 1006.