Carpe Libris: Icones Farlowianae

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Icones Farlowianae
Illustrations of the Larger Fungi of Eastern North America
(by William Gibson Farlow; with descriptive text by Edward Angus Burt)
William Gibson Farlow
Cambridge, Mass: The Farlow Library and Herbarium of Harvard University, 1929, First Edition

Of Particular Note: An extensive writeup about this book is at http://www.huh.harvard.edu/libraries/Farlowexhibit/introduction.htm Thanks to Judith A. Warnement, Director of the Botany Libraries at Harvard for permission to reference their informative site.

Limited edition of 500
Narrative Description:

An important work by the eminent professor after whom the Farlow Library at the University of Harvard is named. The first extensive collection of colored plates of American agarics (mushrooms) to be conceived, executed, and published in this country (1929). Among the agaries figured, thirty-nine are marked edible. The production of this book took over 40 years and would cost the equivalent of over $1,000,000 to produce today. 103 colored plates (1 of which is fold-out as issued); artwork by Joseph Bridgham and the well-known mycological artist, L.C.C. Krieger. The plates were produced by the Boston Heliotype Printing Company; the book was produced by the master printer D B Updike at his Merrymount Press.

A contemporary review by C.H. Kauffman (laid in) states that "the intrinsic value of the book is to be found in the fine judgment displayed in the selection of material, in the infinite care taken in planning the details and in the ability to employ, without taking count of the cost, men who could put on paper that which nature has wrought and retain its purity of beauty and at the same time its scientific meaning."
Bibliography: Schliemann, Cat. Bibl. Myc., 296; Stafleu and Cowan, 1742
Condition Book: Fine / no dust jacket as issued
Exceptionally clean and fresh, this copy has the all plates in pristine condition. Very light shelf wear with slight bump (.5 cm) to top corner of front board. In original glassine which has some chips and tears.
Physical Description

Main spine color (approx):

Illustrated: 103 colored plates (1 of which is fold-out as issued). Illustrated by Joseph Bridgham and the well-known mycological artist, L.C.C. Krieger
Laid in: Contemporary book review by C.H. Kauffman reprinted from Science, January 17, 1930, Vol. LXXI, No. 1829, pages 70-71
Binding: Hardcover. cloth.
Paper: Hamilton's Mellow Book watermarked paper, and calendared paper for the plates
Size: 14.3" h 11.8" w 1.7" thick; x, 120 p
CL Stock # 601
Price:

$ 1,495.00 (extra postage required)

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