DUHAMEL du MONCEAU, Henri Louis (1700-1782) - Traité des arbres fruitiers, contenant leur figure, leur description, leur culture, & c. Paris: Desaint, 1782.   First octavo edition of this work first published for the first time in 1768. The plates which extensively illustrate the work are printed on light blue paper and are the reduced version of the originals by Aubriet, Le Berriays and Basseporte.   3 volumes, 8vo (202 x 123mm). Half title in the first volume, woodcut devices, 176 (of 181?) engraved plates on blue paper with the exception of two plates in the second volume and two in the third (in the first volume marginal tears restored at I8, K8, L8 , M8, in the third volume waterstaining to the first leaves). Later quarter calf decorated in gilt on spine, red speckled edges, marbled endpapers (rebacked preserving original spine). All copies registered at auction (RBH) have 176 plates, as do almost all copies on sale, although the total number of plates is also uncertain according to Nissen BBI 550 (181) and to Stafleu 1546 (180). (3)

Estimate € 300 - 500

Sold € 280