Amsterdam, François Halma [and] the author, 1706-1715. Two parts, bound in one. 4to (23.7 x 17.8 cm). Engraved title, double-pages engraved frontispiece, letterpress title with large copper-engraved allegorical vignette; [5]-30 pp.; second letterpress title with small woodcut vignette; [ii-xvii], [i-ii], [1-8], [i-ii], 9-278 pp.; seven folded, engraved plates. Contemporary full black morocco with extremely rich gilt decorated front and rear boards with floral patterns; spine with five raised gilt-ornamented bands; compartments with rich gilt angular borders, gilt floral vignettes, and gilt title. Gilt edges and inner dentelles. Marbled endpapers. All edges gilt.

An extraordinary copy of this rarely-seen work by Levinus Vincent (1658-1727) in a spectacular contemporary binding. He "...was a rich Dutch designer and merchant of luxurious textiles, such as damask, silk and brocade. He was of the Anabaptist faith. He collected natural history objects (shells, insects, corals, birds, lizard and small mammals as wet preparations) artefacts (ethnographical items), paintings and drawings of flowers. The titles translate as: Miracle Show of Nature, opened in a brief description of the principal parts of the special rarities included therein; arranged and preserved by Levinus Vincent. [AND] The second part or continuation of Nature's Miracle Show, or a short description of bloodless, swimming, flying, crawling, and four-legged clawed egg-laying animals, and of shells, corals, sea shrubs, metallic and stone-turned things , etc. in very large numbers present in the cabinets of Levinus Vincent. Vincent and his wife, Joanna van Breda, took a lot of effort to present their collectables in a pleasurable and instructive spectacle. They ordered their shells and insects in elegant designs that resembled magnificent pieces of embroidery" (Wikipedia). He "considered it his task to create an order in the collection. He classified and catalogued insects, butterflies and shells, among other things. His collection could be visited. The entry price was two guilders in 1726: a substantial sum. Vincent saw nature as a reflection of God's omnipotence and, according to his own words, his collection had people turned to God because they were impressed by His ability" (website Stadsarchief Gemeente Amsterdam). Vincent "...aimed at the non-Latin-speaking public, printing the catalogue of his collection in both Dutch and French - Wondertooneel der Nature (Wonder Theater of Nature), giving details of all the objects on display. This catalogue sold for three guilder plus a tip or entrance fee of two guilder. He had fixed hours for its visitors. His visitor book (from 1705 to 1737) includes at least 3,500 entries, including Peter the Great. ... After the death of his second wife in 1715, he remarried a woman who did not like his collection or hobby. Vincent moved to the Hague, hoping to find a buyer for his cabinet among the town's many diplomats. He corresponded with such friends as James Petiver and Hans Sloane in England." (Wikipedia). Page numbering is somewhat confusing due to the presence of two unnumbered pages between the (also unnumbered) pages 8 (errata) and 9 of the second part. Binding and contents, except for an occasional small spot and a small chip in the lower outer corner of the rear endpaper, in a superb state. Once-in-a-liftetime copy. Nissen ZBI, 4254. Fearrington, Rooms of wonder, 96 (Lat. ed.).