Search Results: Authors starting with S from Asher Rare Books

xii" [= viii], 612 pp.First edition of the most important publication on the history of botany published in the 19th century. Julius Sachs (1832-1897) can be seen as the founder of modern plant physiology and the “most influential nineteenth century botanist in promoting experimental botany” (Stafleu & Cowan IV, p. 1040). Library stamp of the Zoologisches Institut Strassburg on title-page. Some small stains, mainly in the last part of the book, not affecting the text. Binding slightly worn, spine cracked, but still in good condition.l BMC (NH) IV, p. 1779; Bradley I, p. 79; DSB XII, p. 60; Jackson, p. 3; Stafleu & Cowan IV, 9957; for the author: DSB XII, p. 60; Stafleu & Cowan IV, p. 1040.

23; 26 pp.Two very rare treatises on the medical properties of the lawsonia - alba plant (henna) and aristolochia indica plant (= birthwort), including a list of plants that can serve as antidotes for snake and scorpion poison, with the Latin plant names and concordant Tamil names (set in Tamil Indian type), written by A. Sada (= Sadasswanaiker), shopkeeper at the colonial garden at Pondichéry, India.Small tear in title-page of vol.1 and lower left corner of front wrapper of vol. 2 slightly damaged, otherwise a fine set.l Bradley bibliography, III, p. 92 (fascicule 1 only); not in Stafleu & Cowan.

XVI, 487, [1 blank], XI, [1 blank] pp.First and only edition of a descriptive catalogue of the mineralogical cabinet of the Paris School of Mines, established a year earlier in 1783. At the time it was one of the most complete collections in Europe. "The specimens are ordered by chemical qualities, which had been determined through experimentation and blowpipe analysis. Brief descriptions and locality information are provided for each entry, but the overall content is scant on information" (Schuh). Without the scarce supplement of 156 pages, published in 1787. A few occasional spots, but otherwise in very good condition. Boards rubbed and spine worn, but the binding is structurally sound.l Schuh 4241; Sinkankas 5685.

[4], 282 pp.First edition of an important demographic and economic description of Cuba by the Galician politician Ramón de la Sagra (1798-1871), who lived in Cuba for several years and was appointed professor of natural history of Cuba. The chapters deal with the island's population, agriculture, communication, trade, navigation and administration. The chapter on agriculture contains detailed information on the sugar, coffee and tobacco industry.Only a few small spots. Binding only slightly rubbed along the extremities. Overall in very good condition.l Sabin 74913.

[12], 552, [8] pp.First Spanish edition of a detailed history of the Ottoman Emperors, by the Venetian historian and diplomat Giovanni Sagredo (1616-1696), first published in Italian in 1673. It is arranged chronologically, covering the Emperors from 1300 to 1644 and is especially valuable for the later period: from Suleiman the Magnificent (ruled 1520-1566) to Ibrahim (ruled 1640-1648). The translator dedicated it to Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), Queen consort of Philip IV of Spain.With early owner's inscription of Bernate de Mello, "Aluim.", on the title-page and first page of the text. With a tear in 1 leaf repaired and the lost corner of another restored, without loss of text, water stains at the foot of a few leaves and an occasional spot, but generally in good condition and with generous margins. A detailed history of the Ottoman Emperors to 1644.l CCPB 000040713-5; Palau 284935; cf. Atabey 1079 (1673 Italian ed.).

Complete set of 6 engraved prints by Augustin de Saint-Aubin showing children playing games in architectural settings. Saint-Aubin (1736-1807), one of France's leading engravers, was appointed official engraver to the French Bibliothèque Royale in 1776. In the present series the title print “Le sabot” (bearing a seller's imprint) and the print “La toupie” show children playing with a spinning top (“La toupie” with men in the background cutting or breaking up stone blocks), “Le coupe-tête” depicts two boys playing leapfrog, “La corde” children skipping rope, “La fossette ou le jeu de noyaux” children playing marbles with fruit stones among classical ruins, and the last, “La sortie du collège” boys leaving school running and dancing. The print “La fossette” bears a 1770 imprint. The series, showing the variety of children's games, is rare when complete.Prints very slightly browned, some small spots on the passe-partouts (not affecting the prints), some prints are a little unevenly… Read More

12 pp.A little-known account of Brazilian agricultural techniques, especially in the province of Minas Gerais, by the leading botanist and explorer Auguste de Saint-Hilaire (1779-1853), born in Orléans. Saint-Hilaire explored Uruguay and central and southern Brazil in the years 1816 to 1822, taking special interest in their flora and serving as a correspondent for the Académie des Sciences already before he returned to France and began publishing his findings. He became a member of the Academy in 1830 and its president in 1835. The present essay is undated but cites one of the author's publications of August 1837. With a presentation inscription from the author on the first page: "Offert à Mr. Fée par l'auteur". Slightly foxed but otherwise in very good condition and wholly untrimmed.l Quérard VIII, 339; not in Borba de Moraes.

XII, 536 pp.Interesting history of the Imperial Guard of Napoleon, richly illustrated with many hand-coloured military costume plates.Very good copy. Binding slighly rubbed. A colourful work on the Imperial Guard of Napoleon.l Colas 2621; Lipperheide 48.

164, [4], 15, [1 blank] pp.First and only edition of "the most important monograph devoted to the hyacinth" (Krelage) by the Frenchman Maximilien Henri, Marquis de Saint-Simon (1720-1799), who, although an amateur, had a surprisingly scientific approach. Here printed on heavy and large paper and with the plates printed on folding leaves, enabling the reader to view the plates while consulting the text at the same time. The existence of large paper copies seems to go unnoticed in the literature. The work includes a comprehensive list with "over two thousand named varieties, double and single, including those grown by George Voorhelm ... It appears to be the most important list for the century'' (Hunt).With the engraved armorial bookplate of the French historian Édouard de Laplane (1774-1870). Without the occasionally included preliminary "discours", presenting the work to the Berlin Academy of Science. Some stains to the opening flyleaves and occasionally along the extremities throughout, but… Read More

Copy 63 of a limited edition of 100 copies printed on rag paper. Original 1955 edition.“It is hardly an exaggeration to say that this collection, in the fields it covers, is unparalleled in modern times. It comprises practically all major works published in the realm of medicine before 1800, as well as a highly representative selection of literature on the subject. While the famous collection of Sir William Osler and Dr Harvey Cushing each comprise some 8,000 items, Dr. Waller’s includes nearly 21,000, and it is also far superior in quality.” (T. Kleberg in the preface).Only some very minor wear to the extremities of the wrappers; otherwise a fine set in the original paper wrappers.

[16], 240 pp.Rare early Rouen edition, with the main text in civilité type, of a famous French courtesy book by the French priest Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (1651-1719), who was beatified in 1888. It opens with a preface, a privilege, and a table of contents, set in roman type. The main text, in civilité type, is divided into two parts, each containing several chapters teaching not only good manners and politeness in society, but good and balanced conduct in all things, out of respect to oneself, one's neighbour and God. Modesty, respect, unity and charity, all dependent on the context of time, place and person are here presented as the "Christian Courtesy". The book was mostly intended for use at the schools of the Christian Brothers (Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools), founded by La Salle. Binding slightly rubbed, spine slightly damaged; old ink notes in a child's hand on first endpaper; slightly stained and thumbed. In good condition.l Sudoc (1 copy); WorldCat (1 additional copy);… Read More

[10], 17, [1], 425, [31] pp.Wonderful mid-nineteenth century French work on botanical classification. Louis Salleron describes the the purpose of his work as follows: "The replanting of the Botanical School of the Jardin du Roi in 1843 by the care of M Adolphe Brongniart and the important changes introduced in the classification of the Plant Kingdom caused many difficulties and research for plant lovers, gardeners, to students who could no longer recognize themselves in an order so different from that which is generally followed in their books and in botanical gardens [...]. I thought I was doing a service to this large class of people who deal with plants by drawing up a General Catalog of all the labels of the School, with the indication below each new name of a species, of the denomination it bore in the previous classification". Salleron’s catalogue mentions several thousand plants, coming from France and abroad: California, Mexico, Virginia, Canada, West Indies, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Cape of… Read More

8, 73, [1 blank] pp.German edition of a detailed catalogue of succulents, covering the family Alooideae. Also published in French, both editions with descriptions in Latin. Salm-Reifferscheid-Dyck (1773-1861) started collecting succulents at Schloss Dyck in 1800 after consorting with the leading French botanists in Paris and took lessons in paintings from Redouté after he saw the illustrations Redouté made for Candolle's Plantarum succulentarum historia. The first listing of succulents was a short pamphlet printed in 1809, the next listing was published in 1816 and was followed by a more regular publication of catalogues printed in very small numbers. They acted as "exchange lists with the botanical gardens and private collectors with whom Salm-Dyck exchanged specimens" (Rowley).After his death in 1861 the collections at Schloss Dyck soon started to break-up. The herbarium was the first to go, but his unrivalled succulent collection survived until the First World War. What was left of his… Read More

81, [1 blank] pp.Very rare sixth catalogue of the succulents cultivated by Count Salm in his gardens at Schloss Dyck, including American and South African species. The catalogue contains 10 more pages than the previous one from 1829 and lists a total of some 1500 species.Salm-Reifferscheid-Dyck (1773-1861) started collecting succulents at Schloss Dyck in 1800 after consorting with the leading French botanists in Paris and took lessons in paintings from Redouté after he saw the illustrations Redouté made for Candolle's Plantarum succulentarum historia. The first listing of succulents was a short pamphlet printed in 1809, the next listing was published in 1816 and was followed by a more regular publication of catalogues printed in very small numbers. They acted as "exchange lists with the botanical gardens and private collectors with whom Salm-Dyck exchanged specimens" (Rowley).After his death in 1861 the collections at Schloss Dyck soon started to break-up. The herbarium was the first to go, but his… Read More

7, (1), "72" [= 70], (2 blank) pp.French edition, with Latin descriptions, but preliminaries and notes in French, of a rare catalogue of succulents from the genus Aloe. A German edition appeared at the same time.Salm-Reifferscheid-Dyck (1773-1861) started collecting succulents at Schloss Dyck in 1800 after consorting with the leading French botanists in Paris and took lessons in paintings from Redouté after he saw the illustrations Redouté made for Candolle's Plantarum Succulentarum Historia. His succulent collection soon became unrivalled.Very good copy.l BMC NH, p. 1792; Pritzel 8008 note; Stafleu & Cowan 10126 note (4 copies); KVK (3 copies); Kew Gardens on-line Cat. (1 copy); not in OCLC.

[2], 60, [2 blank] pp.Rare fourth catalogue of the succulents cultivated by Count Salm, including American and South African species. It ads many new species to the third catalogue (1820) and is more elegantly designed and printed. Salm-Reifferscheid-Dyck (1773-1861) started collecting succulents at Schloss Dyck in 1800 after consorting with the leading French botanists in Paris and took lessons in paintings from Redouté after he saw the illustrations Redouté made for Candolle's Plantarum succulentarum historia. His first listing of succulents was a short pamphlet printed in 1809, the next listing was published in 1816 and was followed by a more regular publication of catalogues printed in very small numbers. They acted as "exchange lists with the botanical gardens and private collectors with whom Salm-Dyck exchanged specimens" (Rowley).After his death in 1861 the collections at Schloss Dyck soon started to break-up. The herbarium was the first to go, but his unrivalled succulent collection survived… Read More

[8], 256 ll.First edition (2nd issue) of a rare and extremely well-illustrated Latin treatise on Italian fishes: "the plates ... in accuracy and beauty far surpass any figures published in the next 100 years" (Dean), with 92 numbered chapters, one for each of 92 varieties of fish, giving detailed notes on their names, characteristics, locality, habitat and culinary use. The engravings are extremely detailed and accurate, giving our best early view of many of these species. 110 pages of tables give numerous cross-references to Aristotle, Pliny and many other mostly classical sources, citing relevant passages for almost every variety discussed, and there are alphabetical indexes of the Greek, Latin and common names. In addition to common fish, the plates include eels, sharks, skates, squids and an octopus. Although the present volume is called "liber primus," no more ever appeared.With a contemporary manuscript note on 2B6v. From the library of W.A. Foyle (Beeleigh Abbey), with his gold-tooled red… Read More

[10], 200, [4] pp. & 100 ll.First edition of a German emblem book addressing virtues and vices in 100 emblems, compiled by the German preacher Abraham a Sancta Clara (born Johan Ulrich Mergerle; 1644 - 1709). As the title states, the book's purpose is to refresh the reader's virtues and to deter from vices by way of emblems. The concepts are explained in well-known fables and accessible symbols and allegories, like the sun, moon, fire, sea, weather, seasons, metals, gems, animals etc. Each concept is illustrated in an emblem accompanied by a motto in Latin and a poem in German and Latin. The emblems were engraved by Christoph Weigel after illustrations by Caspar and Jan Luyken from the Ethica Naturalis (ca. 1700). Each emblem is followed by two pages of text explaining the emblem.With a library inscription on flyleaf. Some marginal thumbing, occasional foxing and some occasional spots and smudges. Binding slightly soiled. Otherwise in good condition.l Landwehr, German emblem books 11; Faber du Faur… Read More

[28], 96 pp.Extremely rare first edition of a list of Dutch data concerning the whaling trade in and around Greenland, compiled by Gerrit van Sante (1728-1779). The book was designed with blank spance to add new data in the years following 1753. The present copy has been updated, probably by the first owner, till the year 1761. Besides the names of the commanders for every Dutch voyage to Greenland and the Davis Strait and the names of the directors for whom they sailed, it also includes an annual record of the number of whales caught, tonnes of blubber and barrels of whale oil, both for each commander individually and for the industry as a whole. "Van Sante understood completely the enormous economic importance of whaling for the Netherlands, and mentions the results of every voyage of every ship" (Catalogue library of G.J. Honig). "Greenland" is broadly interpreted to include the waters around Spitsbergen and Jan Mayen Island, and the Davis Strait fleets (fishing between Greenland and America) are… Read More

21, [3], [29]; [31]; 43, [28]; [32] pp.First and only edition of "the most important recent publication with wonderful reproductions of the best known carpets" (Ettinghausen 1936), here in very good condition, rebound in 4 high quality half calf volumes. The project was initiated by the Austrian Museum for Art and Industry, that previously published two other works on carpets: Orientalische Teppiche (1892) and Altorientalische Teppiche (1908). The present work by Sarre & Trenkwald has far more and better illustrations than the earlier works, with 120 fine collotype plates. The authors were highly regarded authorities in the field of Islamic art, especially Friedrich Sarre (1865-1945), "without doubt, one of the most influential figures regarding the scholarly formation of Islamic art" (Kadoi & Szanto). He was the director of the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin and responsible for the formation of the "most comprehensive collection of Islamic art outside the Islamic world".The work is… Read More