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a set of five old books sitting on top of each otheran open book sitting on top of a table next to stacks of coinsan open book with illustrations of moths and other insects on itan open book with a drawing of a plant and leaves on itan old book with drawings of insects and flowers on it
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121 - REAUMUR, René-Antoine Ferchault de.
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Estimate €800 - €1,000
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Description
REAUMUR, René-Antoine Ferchault de. Memoirs for the History of Insects. Paris, Royal Printing Office, 1734–1742. 6 volumes in-4. Marbled half-basane, decorated ribbed spine, red edges (slight scuffing to the bindings, a few worn caps, but the interior is in very fresh condition). A fine copy in its contemporary binding. First edition of this seminal work in the field of entomology, renowned for its great accuracy. The first three volumes are devoted to caterpillars and butterflies, the fourth to ‘gall insects’ and flies, the fifth to flies, cicadas and bees, and finally the sixth to wasps, bumblebees and hornets. The work was never completed: Réaumur still had to cover crickets and grasshoppers, as well as the vast class of beetles. With 267 copperplate engravings in black by Jean-Baptiste Haussard, Philippe Simonneau and Claude Lucas, including numerous fold-out plates. With beautiful engraved headpieces and initials. In French in the text, 145.
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About the sale Books & Manuscripts
Auction location
Auction time 10/30/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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