France, Unpublished, [ca. 1800]. (25.2 x 19.8 cm). Wove paper blind front wrapper. 19 leaves of laid paper with fine watercolours of various larger fungi.

A fine collection of accurately drawn mushrooms, mostly larger, edible European species. With pleasing illustrations placed in rectangular borders. Unsigned. Laid paper with a large watermark (crowned cartouche with fleurs de lis; one with a partial watermark of grapes), probably of late 18th century origin. Provenance: with on the front pastedown a small, mycological-culinary bookplate of the grand gastronomical library of Jacques and Hélène Bon. The libary was assembled over a very long period, and sold some time after Jacques Bon's death on 15 January 2015, at the age of 91. Some weak, scattered spotting. Leaves detached; last leaf with a short, marginal tear. Otherwise a very good item.