Fine Rare Prints

Information

This is an original antique print from the very rare first volume of the first edition of John Holbrooks famous work North American Herpetology. It is over 170 years old. To give you an idea of the rarity, desirability and value of Holbrook's works, consider that Donald Heald Rare Books in New York is selling a copy of the 2nd edition of Holbrooke's later work on fish, "Southern Ichthyology", for $12,500.

Johns Edwards Holbrook was one of the pre-eminent herpetologists of the 19th century and was the author of North American Herpetology. This was the first comprehensive description of the amphibians and reptiles of North America. First published from 1836 to 1840, with a second edition published in 1842, this work established Holbrook as the father of American Herpetology.

Holbrook was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, on 30 December, 1794, but he spent most of his early life in Wrentham, Massachusetts, at his father's family home. After graduating from Brown in 1815, he studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Between 1818 and 1822 he was in Europe, continuing his medical studies in London and Edinburgh, and then traveling for two years in Europe, devoting much time to natural history. He returned to the United States and set up a medical practise in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1824 he became professor of anatomy at the Medical College of South Carolina, a position he held for over thirty years.

It was as a naturalist that Holbrook made his name. His first major published work, American Herpetology, or a Description of Reptiles inhabiting the United States (Philadelphia: 1836-1842, 5 volumes), was widely praised both in the United States and Europe.

A disastrous fire in the artists' buildings in Philadelphia destroyed all the plates, stones, and original drawings, and Holbrook's library and collections. The result is that this work on reptiles is extremely rare.

Print method

Lithograph with superb hand coloring and shellac finishing which adds lustre to the colours. Blank on reverse.

Condition

Excellent condition. The colors are fresh and bright. Very faint type offsetting.

Size

Approximately 12 by 9 ½ inches (30.5 by 24 cm)

How to order

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