Illustrated by Thomas Bewick, published by Peter Hill, Edinburgh, 1791. Half-Leather. Book Condition: Very Good. No Jacket.

This monumental work was originally issued in French as "Histoire naturelle" by Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, a distinguished naturalist who laid the foundations for later definitive work by scientists such as Charles Darwin. It was completed shortly after his death in 1788 and translated into a number of languages, becoming the definitive natural history text for many years. This example was printed by Mundell for Hill in Edinburgh and T. Cadell in London in 1791 and 1792. The books appear to have been professionally restored and rebound in the mid- or late 19th century, with calf spine cover and corner pieces, marbled paper infill and red and black title patches. An intriguing feature of this set is that comparison of the plates with the "Directions for the Binder" at the rear of each volume shows that each contains a number of prints in addition to those specified. The boards have minor edge and corner wear but are overall in nice condition. Insides are generally very clean. Three or four early pages in vol. 1 have been professionally restored, presumably having experienced some erosion at the bottom edges, the remainder being in excellent condition. Pages 265-272 inclusive in vol. 2 are missing; it is not known whether this was a printing error in the original or a collating error on restoration. 586, 568 & 577 pages respectively.
Heavy item: standard post in UK; overseas GBP25.00.