Maarssen, Cynophilia, [1894]. 4to (29.2 x 22.3 cm). 437 [404, 26, 7] pp.; over 400 illustrations. Contemporary red grained morocco over cushioned boards. Presentation copy with gilt title and initials on the front board. Gilt floral endpapers, gilt inner dentelles. All edges gilt. Original pictorial wrappers bound in.

In this large and well-illustrated work, the desired profiles and characteristics of domestic dog breeds are described, explained and - above all - beautifully illustrated. Many illustrations are page-sized. In 1897 a French edition was published. Both editions are very rare. The author's name is variously spelled Bylandt and Bijlandt - the former seems to be the preferred spelling. Henri Adriën Graaf van Bylandt (1860-1943) was one of the founders and first chairman of the Dutch cynological society. This is clearly a luxuriously bound presentation copy for "Jhr. Mr. J. W. D. S. B." [The Zeeland judge J. W. D. Schuurbeque Boeije]. Inscribed in the top margin of the front wrapper; inner joints reinforced with red tape; one leaf with light staining and one with some pin-spotting, minimal rubbing to the boards, otherwise a very good, clean copy in a very attractive binding.