Product Details

Two genuine 18th-century volumes from Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon’s celebrated Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière. French-language bird volumes (Oiseaux), including Tome VII, dated 1786, and Tome XV, dated 1788. Buffon was one of the great naturalists of the Enlightenment and his monumental Histoire Naturelle became one of the most influential scientific works of the 18th century. Published Aux Deux-Ponts by Sanson & Compagnie. Attractive period mottled calf bindings with gilt borders and decorated spines. Beautiful early typography, laid-paper appearance and ornamental engravings throughout. Antiquarian condition with rubbing, spine/joint wear and losses consistent with age. Interiors remain quite attractive. Two nonconsecutive volumes from the larger set. No natural-history plates are represented as present unless shown.