1830 Sylva Britannica or Portraits of Forest Trees by Jacob George Strutt - Illustrated Antique Book

In very good condition, here is an antique copy of Sylva Britannica or Portraits of Forest Trees Distinguished For Their Antiquity, Magnitude or Beauty. Drawn From Nature by Jacob George Strutt. Undated, but published in 1830 by the author and funded by subscribers. These are all listed and one of the subscribers was "The King's Most Excellent Majesty". It is unclear if it would have been King George IV or King William IV, as the publication year was they year William came to the throne. A large Folio edition with 49 finely illustrated black and white plates on India paper. In a fine full-leather binding. Condition in detail below.

A celebration of Britain’s most ancient and remarkable trees, containing 151 pages of text and engraved portraits of notable specimens of historically significant trees, each accompanied by descriptive text. Historical and botanical notes describing each tree’s age, measurements, folklore, and setting.

Strutt’s aim was both artistic and antiquarian: to document venerable trees whose age, form, or cultural associations made them landmarks of the British landscape. Original 1830 copies are valued for their large engraved plates, aesthetic appeal, and documentation of trees that in many cases no longer survive.

The trees are subdivided into: Oaks; Elms; Beeches; Ash; Chestnuts; Lime; Poplar; Willow; Cedars; Plane; Yews; Maple; Sylva Scotia.

Inside the book opens onto marbled endpapers edged by elaborate gilt dentelles. Has a pencilled name at the top of an early blank endpaper, but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. Has a brown mark at the top of a couple of opening pages being the imprint of a paper clip. There is a fair amount of spotting through the text and to the plates. Also has a stain at the top margin of the opening engraved title page (see photos).

In a full leather binding, with gilt tooled borders and five raised bands to the spine. Also in very good order. Has some rubbing and rounding to the corners, and rubbing to the spine ends and joints. Some tanning to the spine. Just a few light scuffs to the leather. The gilt remains bright and this is a very presentable book.

Your antique copy of Sylva Britannica will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. A gift message can be included in the parcel if desired.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

H 28.5 cm x W 20.5 cm, 151 pages, 1.48 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

You can follow my news and updates on Instagram @bumperboxofdelights