Leiden, S. Luchtmans and J. Luchtmans. Tall folio (45.2 x 29.4 cm). Title page, [i], 18 pp.; three lithographed plates of which two finely hand-coloured. Contemporary full bright red grained calf. Boards with intricate blind-tooled and gilt-ornamental borders, floral corner pieces and title. Pink floral endpapers. All edges gilt.

Rare and important contribution to the knowledge of the lemurs, with a review of the genera and species, and fine illustrations of skulls, and of living specimens of the tropical African Bosman's potto, Perodicticus potto (Müller), and the eastern woolly lemur, Lichanotus avahi (= Avahi laniger, Gmelin) from Madagascar. The author, Jan van der Hoeven (1801-1868), was the leading Dutch comparative anatomist and zoologist during the mid-19th century. Originally published in the - rare - Tijdschrift voor natuurlijke Geschiedenis en Physiologie, and - separately - in an offprint edition of 50 copies only (this edition). Most copies ended up in Dutch and foreign university libraries, and copies rarely appear on the market. This one has an exceptionally beautiful contemporary binding. Some light rubbing to board edges; a few skilful repairs to the spine cover; small, old label in the top-left corner of the front board; label remnant in the top left. A fine, unmarked and complete copy in a marvellous binding. Landwehr, 78; Nissen ZBI, 4230. Not in Wood.