1849 Episodes of Insect Life by Acheta Domestica - Illustrated Antique Book

In very good condition, here is a super antique hardback copy of Episodes of Insect Life by Acheta Domestica. Published in 1849 by Reeve, Benham and Reeve, London. In a gorgeous decorative cloth binding, and with charming woodcut illustrations by the author. Condition in detail below.

"Acheta Domestica" was the pseudonym of Louisa Henrietta Budgen, who named herself after the scientific name for the common house cricket (Acheta domesticus). Her book introduces readers to the hidden worlds of familiar insects, from crickets and bees to ants and fireflies, detailing their behaviours, life cycles, and anatomical wonder. Rather than presenting a dry scientific treatise, Budgen uses whimsical narratives, allegorical tales, and vibrant artistic imagery to humanize her tiny subjects, framing their survival strategies and social habits as reflections of human society and Divine providence. Her witty, accessible prose, combined with her own detailed woodcut illustrations, aimed to transform how nineteenth-century readers viewed the insect world—moving from fear or disgust to active wonder, aesthetic appreciation, and scientific curiosity.

With sections on crickets, gnats, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, ants, spiders, beetles, aphids, grasshoppers and much more.

Inside the pages are clean and bright, with a few folded corner tips. Has an elegantly-inked name to the front free endpaper, but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. Has a cracked hinge at the beginning to give the front board a slight wobble, but in no way effecting the binding of the text block which is good and strong. Has a delightful woodcut to the start of each new chapter.

Pale-green ribbed cloth over boards have delightful ornate gilt decoration to the front and spine. Again in very good order. A few small dark spots to the cloth - but minor. A small tanned area on the front and one faint dark mark on the web. A light thin scuff mark on the back. The spine has tanned a bit in comparison to the front and back, but if anything this helps the shiny gilt "pop" out even more. A couple of small splits to the spine joints at the head (see photos). A very attractive book indeed.

Your antique copy of Episodes of Insect Life will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.

FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

H 22 cm x W 16 cm, 320 pages, 0.6 kg.

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

I post regular new stock and updates on Instagram @bumperboxofdelights