Beschreibung:

JOHANN REINHOLD FORSTER (1729-1798) and JOHANN GEORG ADAM FORSTER (1754-1794)
JOHANN REINHOLD FORSTER (1729-1798) and JOHANN GEORG ADAM FORSTER (1754-1794) Characteres generum plantarum . London: B. White, T. Cadell and P. Elmsly, 1776. 4° (275 x 215mm). 78 engraved plates after J.R. and J.G.A. Forster, with dedication and errata leaves \Kp\k1 and \Kc\k1. (Occasional light soiling and a few scattered spots.) Particularly fine modern contemporary-style tree calf, spine richly gilt in compartments with cornucopia tool, and red morocco label lettered in gilt. SECOND, FIRST QUARTO EDITION. THE FIRST BOTANICAL WORK TO RESULT FROM COOK'S SECOND VOYAGE. The work records a large number of new names relating to the plants of Australasia and Polynesia and 'it has been said to be the foundation of our knowledge of New Zealand, Antarctic, and Polynesian vegetation' (Hill). In addition to the samples that they and Anders Sparrman had collected on the second voyage, the Forsters had access to the library and herbarium of Sir Joseph Banks and the drawings of Sydney Parkinson both of whom had, with Daniel Solander, served as naturalists on Cook's first voyage. According to Stafleu and Cowan, there are three editions: the first, in a folio format and without a date on the title page was issued circa 29 November 1775 and is known in only two copies; the present, second edition was published in quarto format on 1 March 1776; the third, in a folio format with a dated title-page was issued on or after the 1 March 1776. Beddie 1385; BM(NH) II, p.596 (erroneously calling for only 75 plates); Henrey 718; Hill 627 (stating that there was only one folio edition); Hunt 649; Nissen BBI , 644 (75 plates); Pritzel 2981 (75 plates); Sabin 25134; Stafleu and Cowan 1826.