Description
4to, VII, 200pp. Softcover in federation green with coloured botanical illustrations on front and rear with the title in white on front board and spine, in very good condition other than slight shelfwear abrasions on all corners, text and all b/w and colour illustrations and maps in pristine condition devoid of all prior owner notations. Uncommon in this near-fine condition, the book contains magnificent reproductions of work compiled by Joseph Banks and a Swedish naturalist Daniel Solander together with the natural history and landscape artists Sydney Parkinson and Alexander Buchan. Parkinson being one of the most important figures on Cook’s Endeavour voyage, he is accredited in the title and he also worked for Banks, drawing the birds and insects collected in 1766 around Newfoundland. Great detail of the legacy of drawings of flora and fauna is described in the book preceding the majority of illustrations contained within. A lavish and scholarly work even as a softcover.