Wien, Auer, 1857. Large 4to (37.4 x 27.7 cm). 24 issues in 24. 188 pages with text in double columns and with numerous text engravings (several page-sized); and 72 separately printed plates, in different (colour) printing techniques, including six in nature printing. 24 original printed wrappers with numbers in pencil.

Very rare complete volume in original printed wrappers, which is really exceptional. All the plates, even including the very rare, peculiar round plate Die Poesie - which is near impossible to bind in and thus often lacking. Included are several nature printed plates, including one "vereint mit der lithographie", which looks like a very early pochoir print. Also included is a fine, large portrait of Alexander von Humboldt and one of Joseph von Hammer - Purgstall. Multiple views and buildings of Constantinopel. Further it includes an 8vo-sized parallel series on pink paper, titled " Poetisches Damen-Album. Blumenlese aus der neuesten Dichtererscheinungen". Three plates with line engravings ( Das Vogelnest, Das Schifflein and Der Trinker) partly foxed, a few others with one or two small spots; all the other plates, including all the coloured plates, pristine - a very rare condition indeed. Loosely inserted: the single leaf, Prospectus und Einladung zur Pränumeration auf den fünften Jahrgang (1858) in two copies. Wrapper to the first, fourth and last installment partly chipped, mainly at edges, the others only a bit frayed at edges, wrapper to the first issue with a small tape repair. In all an excellent copy, with the very rare wrappers. Fischer, 200 Jahre Naturselbstdruck, 41; Heitman, 403; Kirchner, 11246.