Hand-Colored Illustrations of the Beautiful and Wonderful in Animated Nature, With Explanatory Text.

Chicago: Published by S. J. Wheeler, [c. 1880]. Large portfolio, half burgundy morocco and burgundy cloth, partially renewed spine, gilt title on upper cover. 25 leaves of text and 12 hand-colored lithographic plates, all loose, as issued.

First and only edition of a rare American color plate natural history. With text divided into sections on birds, fishes, reptiles (with a sub-section on amphibians), and articulata or annulose animals (invertebrates), followed by twelve handsomely colored plates with multiple images per plate. Each section of text concludes with a wood-engraved illustration as well.

Charles Gilbert Wheeler (1836–1912), a chemist and mining geologist, was Professor of Chemistry at the University of Chicago and Chicago Medical College, and served as President of the Chicago College of Pharmacy. He published various works on medical chemistry, mineralogy, and natural history.

REFERENCES: Not in Bennett or Reese. OCLC records only six copies.

CONDITION: Good, soiling, rubbing, and small stains to covers, occasional creasing and wear to edges of plates.