London, The Horticultural Society, 1820-1848. Ten volumes in ten. 4to (28.5 x 22.5 cm). Engraved titles with woodcut vignettes; more than 3000 pp.; 175 engraved plates (several larger, folded) of which 91 finely hand-coloured; three folding tables, several text figures. Contemporary uniform half calf over marbled boards. Spines with five gilt-ornamented bands; compartments with gilt title and volume number. Speckled edges.

A very rare set, with all plates published, of the most important British botanical journal of its day, and a showcase for the talents of some of the greatest botanical artists then at work. As is often the case, this set is a mixed edition: the first three volumes are second and third editions, the remaining volumes first editions. The present work includes a good selection of plates taken from the fruit paintings William Hooker (no relation to Sir William). Hooker served as botanical artist to the Horticultural Society (now the Royal Horticultural Society) from 1812 until he retired due to ill-health in 1820. According to Blunt and Stearn (1990), a study of the originals in the Lindley Library at the RHS reveal him to have been "one of the greatest pomological artists of all time". There are also fine examples of the work of a Miss Drake and Mrs Withers. Several uncoloured plates and title pages cleaned. Some few plates a bit trimmed. Provenance: Armorial bookplate "Murus aeneus concientia sana" of the British plant collector and breeder Edmund Giles Loder (1849-1920) mounted on the front pastedowns. "He developed hybrid rhododendrons from crosses between R. fortunei and R. griffithianum. The plants were named the Loderi hybrids and group in his honour. Three, Loderi King George, Loderi Pink Diamond and Loder's White, have received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. He developed the garden at his home at Leonardslee extensively" (Wikipedia). Some foxing and offsetting, restricted to several plain plates only. A few plates shaved, as usual. A few bindings skilfully restored. An excellent set, rarely seen complete. Blunt and Stearn, 1990: The Art of Botanical Illustration, p. 233; Nissen BBI, 2387.