Popular British Conchology by George B. Sowerby (1854) | Hand-Colored Plates

A mid-19th-century guide to the mollusks of the British Isles, Popular British Conchology by George Brettingham Sowerby, F.L.S., is a foundational work in natural history, presented with elegance and clarity for the amateur conchologist.

This 1854 first edition, published by Lovell Reeve in London features a rich crimson cloth binding with elaborate gilt-stamped spine and gilt shell vignette on the front cover. Numerous hand-colored plates depicting a variety of mollusks, including clams, whelks, limpets, and snails. Clean pages with occasional foxing. Binding with some wear to extremities consistent with age. Slight wear to spine ends.

Condition: Good++ 

Size: 5 1/4” x 6 1/2”

A fine example of Victorian natural science publishing, this book is a wonderful edition for collectors of antique shell books, natural history, or decorative bindings.