Stainton, H. T.
A Manual of British Butterflies and Moths. Volumes I-II. [Complete].
London, John van Voorst, 1857-1859. Two volumes in two. 8vo (17.7 x 10.5 cm). I (1857): xii, [v; on five leaves], 2, 338 pp.; II (1859): xi 480 pp., [xviii; on 18 leaves], numerous woodcuts. Uniform contemporary half calf over marbled boards, blind-tooled spine with five raised, gilt-bordered and stippled bands, red morocco label with gilt title.
An interleaved copy with additional watercolours and numerous notes also in the text itself, at one point stating: "S. denotes that the insect has been taken at Southgate"; "O. denotes... at Oakley, Tubney or neighbourhood", and numerous species are marked as such. The findings are dated (to the month and day) between 1857 and 1875. One loose sheet inserted (dated 1875). One woodcut has been coloured and 25 original hand-coloured drawings are mounted on interleaved sections, especially in Volume II. In the second volume is the statement: "List of moths sent by me to Francis Walker of Highgate, of Wanstead, named by him". The first volume is inscribed: "With all good wishes from Edith Place, June 1926," in a different handwriting. An interesting rare annotated lepidopterological manual of the United Kingdom. Publication dates given are as on the title pages. According to Horn-Schenkling the work was published in parts from 1856 to 1859. Boards a bit rubbed, front inner hinge of Volume I broken, otherwise a very good set. Cat. BM(NH) p. 1,999; Hagen II, p. 185; Horn-Schenkling, 21107.