London, J. Ridgway, 1815-1847. 34 volumes. Large 8vo (24.2 x 15.3 cm). Text and 2,707 beautifully hand-coloured engraved plates and three plain engravings for a total of 2,710 plates, plus nine hand-coloured engraved plates in the appendix. Very nice half green morocco bindings by Bernard Middleton. Spines with five raised bands, gilt floral vignettes and title. Marbled endpapers. Top edges gilt.

It is very uncommon to see a complete set on the market, consisting of all volumes with all the plates as well as the rare appendix by Lindley. Nissen only quotes 2702 plates; Stafleu and Cowan have a more precise collation, although also incorrect. The Botanical Register was founded by Sydenham Edwards in 1815 to promote an understanding of ornamental flowers cultivated in British gardens. It concerns mostly Mediterranean and exotic species. Edwards had been one of the original botanical artists for Curtis's Botanical Magazine. The Botanical Register published superb botanical engravings for each issue. All were delicately coloured by hired artists and the larger plates were folded into the text. Some age-toning and offsetting from the plates to the opposite text pages, more so in the earlier volumes, a few reinforcements and some edges skilfully restored. In all, a very nice set in an attractive binding. Nissen BBI, 2379; Stafleu and Cowan 1625. For more images of this title, please visit the following link: https://goo.gl/photos/vnvzyTdAieRrkmsq9