111. WARNER, Robert (Compiler) The Orchid Album. London: B. S. Williams, 1882-1897. 11 volumes. 4to (315 x 250 mm). 527 lithographic plates, 1 double-page, printed in color, several finished by hand, all by John Nugent Fitch. Contemporary half green morocco over burgundy pebbled boards, spines stamped and lettered in gilt with morocco lettering labels. Condition: library blindstamps to title and plates, lightly foxed throughout, library card holders affixed; bindings worn with losses to some spines, a few boards detached, vol. 1 rebacked preserving spine. Provenance: Captain Hincks (signature to fee); Easthampton Free Library, Marjorie Woodhouse Memorial Collection, 1935 (bookplates).
A COMPLETE SET OF THIS IMPORTANT WORK ON ORCHIDS WITH BEAUTIFUL PLATES BY BOTANICAL ARTIST JOHN NUGENT FITCH. The preface to the first volume lays out the aims of the publishers "The great advances which have been made within the last few years in the introduction and the cultivation of Exotic Orchids, have suggested the desirability of devoting a monthly publication to the illustration of the best forms of these singular and aristocratic plants, and also to the explanation of the most successful methods of growing them".
The work was 'conducted' by Robert Warner in partnership with the publisher B.S. Williams from 1882 until the latter's death in 1890, at which point his son, Henry Williams, took over and the new partnership contiuned until the Album's conclusion in 1897. At various times these editors were helped by Thomas Moore and William Hugh Gower.The plates are by John Nugent Fitch (1840?1927) who, like his uncle Walter Hood Fitch, was a botanical artist and lithographer of the highest order. Great Flower Books (1990) p.149; Nissen BBI 2107; The Orchid Observed 23. (11)
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