The Temple of Flora (First Folio Society Limited Edition)

Among the most incredible works on flowers in history: Thornton's portraits are rich and evocative. Reproduced here in full scale by the Folio Society, the largest work the publisher has ever produced.

Robert John Thornton (1768–1837) was a physician and botanist whose ambition far exceeded his means. His New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus von Linnaeus, published in parts between 1799 and 1807 [please check], was meant to be the most magnificent botanical publication ever made. Its third and most celebrated part was The Temple of Flora, in which the plants are set not against the flat white grounds of conventional botanical illustration but within dramatic landscaped settings, so that each plate reads as a Romantic landscape as much as a work of natural history. Thornton commissioned leading artists, among them Peter Henderson, Philip Reinagle and Abraham Pether, and had their paintings engraved and hand-coloured. He had planned some seventy plates. The folio edition cost him dearly, and in 1811 he resorted to a parliamentary lottery to dispose of the plates and books.

The Folio Society’s facsimile of 2008 is somewhat ironic in the light of that history. Its colophon states an edition of 1,980, but only 600 copies were printed with the text and bound. It is described by dealers as the first full-size facsimile of the greatest English florilegium, and at about 57 × 46cm it is among the largest books the Society has made. The cover reproduces The Night-Blowing Cereus in gilt and colour. The commentary volume by Stephen Harris provides the botanical and historical context.

First Folio Society Edition. Limited edition. Stated limitation of 1,980 copies, of which only 600 were printed with the text and bound, this being number 152 of those 600. Two volumes. Elephant folio (about 22.5 × 18.25in; 57 × 46cm). Main volume 232pp, with 9 preliminary monochrome plates, 5 preliminary colour plates and 29 full-colour floral plates, and two loose full-colour plates in an envelope. The main volume is hand bound by Smith Settle in quarter dark green goatskin and dark green canvas cloth, with the spine lettered in gilt on a black leather panel, and the upper edge stained dark green. The cover illustration, in gilt and colour, is after the plate The Night-Blowing Cereus, reproduced by David Eccles. Commentary volume by Stephen Harris, bound in dark green buckram, spine lettered and ruled in gilt, 117pp. Housed in a green canvas cloth Solander case. Small bump to edge of solander case. Otherwise, pristine throughout. A fine copy.

Please note: This item is very large and heavy. Within Australia it may require additional postage costs. For international shipping please contact us for a quote.

This book is currently on display in our Paddington store. If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au

Catalogue Number: HH000219