Lisbonne, Imprimerie Nationale, 1895. Very large 8vo (27.0 x 17.6 cm). xx, 203 pp.; 20 plates (numbered I-XIX, X.A). Contemporary rich gilt Iberian-style quarter calf over marbled boards. Spine with five raised bands; compartments rich gilt-patterned or with gilt fleur de lis vignette, and with gilt title. Patterned endpapers.

The most important contribution to herpetology by the Portuguese (born on Madeira) zoologist, José Vicente Barbosa du Bocage (1823-1907) [According to Wood 1823-1895]. After studying medicine and mathematics he finally became director of the Zoological Section of the National Museum of Lisbon which in 1905 was renamed "Museu Bocage" in his honour (see Adler). "From 1863 to 1904 he published 58 herpetological titles.... His most elaborate herpetological work was his book 'Herpétologie d'Angola et du Congo' (1895)" (Adler). Several species are new, or illustrated here for the first time. Title page inscribed in an old hand. Rubbing to board and spines, slight worming in the spine bottom, pages a bit toned, as usual, otherwise a very good, clean copy. Adler I, pp. 51-52; Casey Wood, p. 220. Neither in Cat. BM(NH), nor in Nissen ZBI.