AITON, William. Hortus Kewensis; or a catalogue of the plants cultivated in the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew. George Nicol, London. 1789
First edition. 3 volumes. 8vo (13.5 x 22cm) xxx, 496; ii, 460; ii, 547pp., volume 1: 6 engraved plates (3 folding, 1 with small tear not affecting image); volume 2: 4 plates (1 folding); volume 3: 3 folding plates, a few of the plates with negligible toning, a good clean set in contemporary sprinkled calf, spines gilt in compartments with red and black morocco labels, light wear to extremities.
Among various eighteenth-century works connected with Kew ... the most important is Aiton's Hortus Kewensis ... This catalogue, which is of value both botanically and historically, gives brief descriptions in Latin, according to the Linnaean style, not only of the plants grown at Kew, but also of almost all the species then cultivated in England. In addition it records the native country of each species, date of introduction, and by whom introduced (Henrey, p.246). The author, William Ainton (1731-1793) worked as an assistant to Philip Miller at the Chelsea physic garden. His successful tenure at Kew began in 1759 and he remained there until his death. This work was a considerable success, being entirely sold off within two years of publication and a second edition was produced in 1810-1813.
£1600
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