Paris, Crevot (for the first seven volumes only), Méquignon-Marvis, and Mequignon-Marvis fils, 1821-1831-[1842] (main work); 1832-1844-[1846] (chenilles). 17 volumes in 19. 8vo (20.3 x 12.5 cm). With 639 finely engraved plates (546 in the main work, 93 in the caterpillar addition), all but one in original, exquisite hand-colouring, and one plain, as intended. Contemporary near uniform half calf over marbled boards (one in identical later binding). 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 moths 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 the French entomologist (chiefly lepidopterologist) Jean Baptiste Godart (1775-1825), up to and including Volume V, and was continued and finished by his compatriot and fellow lepidopterologist Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel (1774-1846). The parts on caterpillars, with plates showing fodder plants, too, were co-authored by a third French entomologist, Achille Guénée (1809-1880). The text and plate numbering of the chenilles parts is complicated, especially because the plate numbering stops after p. 240, and the remaining 352 pages with descriptive text are without page numbers. Here it is complete. Horn and Schenkling provide a detailed collation of plates and accompanying text page numbers. In this set, the second part of the Chenilles is bound with a large, concluding Catalogue méthodique des lépidoptères d'Europe distribués en familles, tribus et genres... pour servir de complément et de rectification a l'Histoire naturelle des lépidoptères de France, devenue celle des lépidoptères qu'on y a ajoutés (1844: xxx, [i], 523 pp.). This final part, expanding and updating all previous texts, is often wanting. 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, 5587 (main work), 5589 (supplements), 5596 (caterpillars), 5622 (catalogue); Nissen ZBI, 1212, 1598.