Edwards 1700 Viburnum Tinus: Laurustine 11 by 18 inches JEH81 $195 John Edwards created one of the most beautiful 18th century botanical books, The British Herbal containing one hundred plants of the most beautiful and scarce Flowers and Useful Medicinal Plants in 1770. Colonial Williamsburg called it one of the most valuable books they have, recording many species in the gardens of the elite of the time. It was very expensive to print due to the high quality of the paper and the beauty of the detailed hand colored illustrations, so very few were printed and it is now one of the rarest of illustrated botanical books. In truth, he selected these flowers more for their beauty than their medical efficacy, utilizing his own hand colored engraved plates and a very sparse text mostly from other authors. John Edwards (1742-1825) was born in London and served multiple lengthy apprenticeships including to the Painters and Stainers Guild of 7 years, where he learned painting and engraving. His art was displayed at the Royal Academy and the Society of Artists. Most of his income was likely derived not from his two botanical publications, but from his work with the designs he produced for the thriving fabric and calico industries of the day. Each print measures approximately 11 inches wide by 18 inches long on strong, high quality chain-lined, hand-made paper, light creamy in color. The colours are very fresh and vibrant, with full margins. These are an exciting opportunity for the collector of rare prints as it is unusual for a large grouping to be offered so reasonably and with such fresh, vibrant colour.
