Beschreibung:

SWEET, Robert (1783-1835). The British Flower Garden [ First series ]. London: W.Simpkin & R.Marshall for the author, 1823-1829, 3 volumes.; ... ( Series the Second ). London: James Ridgway, 1831-1838, 4 volumes. 2 works bound in 7 volumes, 8 o (230 x 145 mm). 712 hand-colored engraved plates (one double-page, 6 folding) by Weddell, F.W. Smith and others after E.D. Smith, J. Hart and others. (Some offsetting especially in first series.) First series in 3 volumes in contemporary half calf (rebacked, old spine laid down), second series in 4 volumes in contemporary half calf (rebacked in gilt lettered blue buckram). Provenance : Massachusetts Horticultural Society, presented by Nathaniel T. Kidder (bookplate). FIRST EDITION. Robert Sweet was born and raised in the West Country and served his apprenticeship under his half-brother James in gardens at Ham Green, residence of Richard Bright. He was subsequently gardener to John Julius Angerstein at Woodlands. From 1810 until the mid-1820s he worked as a nurseryman at various locations near London, being elected a fellow of the Linnean Society in February 1812. After 1826 he devoted himself almost entirely to botanical publications such as the present work. "In June 1831 his brain gave way. He died on 20 Jan. 1835, leaving a widow but no family" ( DNB ). The publisher, James Ridgway, continued the work until December 1837. Dunthorne 293; Great Flower Books p.77; Nissen BBI 1923; Stafleu & Cowan 13.545 [and 2493 i.e. A.H.Haworth's A monograph of.. the Narcissineae , bound in to vol.I of the 2nd series]. Sold as a periodical not subject to return.