JONSTON, Jan (1603-1675) - Theatrum universale omnium animalium quadrupedum. [Heilbronn]: Franz Josef Eckebrecht, 1755.   Jan Jonston, naturalist and tutor of Bogouslav Leszczynski, was the author of important works on natural history largely inspired by the works of Pliny the Elder, Aristotle, Oppien, Aldrovande and Gessner. The Theatrum Universale, in particular, is one of the first modern natural history encyclopedias.   Folio (340 x 210mm). Engraved frontispiece, title in red and black with engraved vignette, 80 fine engraved plates (title with tear to the inner margin, some plates on guards, marginal wormtracks rarely touching text and plates without compromising their legibility, foxing and browning sometimes heavier, some staining and occasional tears). Contemporary calf, title on label and gilt decorations on spine, speckled edges, marbled endpapers (worn, heavy losses especially to the extremities, some wormtracks, general defects). Provenance: early erased ownership inscription on frontispiece causing a few tiny holes.

Estimate € 400 - 600

Sold € 650