1876 Wild Flowers Worth Notice; A Selection of Some of our Native Plants Which are Most Attractive From Their Beauty, Uses, or Associations by Mrs Lankester | Prize Binding

A beautifully illustrated Victorian botanical work, Wild Flowers Worthy of Notice by Mrs Lankester, published in London in 1876 by James Shiells & Co. This sought-after volume explores native British wildflowers valued for their beauty, associations, and traditional uses, and is illustrated with 104 finely hand-colored figures drawn by J. E. Sowerby.

This copy is bound in a publisher’s prize binding, stamped in gilt on the upper board with the crest of North London Collegiate School, an important Victorian institution for women’s education. Binding shows some general rubbing and wear to spine/ spine edges and some scuffing to boards, with small losses at extremities. The spine is richly gilt with floral motifs and retains its original title panel, while the text block is complete with its full complement of plates. Some light to moderate toning throughout, consistent with age. Evidence of a prize bookplate partially removed from the inside front board, with resulting surface loss to the endpaper. Plates are clean overall, with occasional scattered foxing. Structurally sound.

The illustrations remain vibrant making this an especially attractive example for collectors of Victorian botany, natural history illustration, and prize bindings. 

Condition: Good ++

Size: 4 3/4” x 7 1/2”

A Victorian botanical, rich in illustration and educational history, and a fine addition to any natural history or decorative binding collection.