Introduction to Entomology: or Elements of the Natural History of Insects: With Plates [4 Volumes, Complete]

London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, 1829. Fifth Edition. Full Leather Hardcovers. Very Good/No Dust Jacket As Issued.

Full leather with gilt ornament on the spine with attached leather title and volume information; blind-stamped boarders on the boards Marbled endpages with matching stain to the text block. 8.5 inches tall. Armorial bookplate from the estate of Syston Park [England] [info below] plus another.

The bindings are tight and square. Text clean, with minimal spotting and toning. Moderate shelf handling wear, the corners are lightly rubbed. All plates present. Specifics below.

+++ Volume 1: Tide mark on the boards and on the preliminaries, and the gutter of the last 10 pages not affecting text or plates; 3 hand-colored plates at the rear.
+++ Volume 2; Tide mark on the boards and the textblock edge and through first 9 pages; Off-set on title page from frontispiece.  Loss to the black spine label. 2 hand-colored plates at the rear.
+++ Volume 3: Tide mark on the boards and the textblock edge. Loss to the black spine label. 15 plates, one is hand-colored at the rear. Folding Chart and in-text illustrations.
+++ Volume 4: Tide mark on the boards and on the lower portion of the plates. Loss to the black spine label. The top spine band is pulled. 10 plates at the rear. Contains an index. First published in 1815, this seminal work revolutionized the study of insects and laid the foundation for modern entomological research. By providing a comprehensive overview of insect morphology, classification, and behavior, it became a fundamental reference for subsequent entomologists.

The inclusion of detailed illustrations some hand-colored,  further enhanced its value, aiding in accurate species identification. This groundbreaking text remains significant not only for its scientific contributions but also for inspiring generations of entomologists and fostering a deep appreciation for the intricate world of insects.

William Kirby (1759-1850) was an English entomologist, an original member of the Linnean Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society, as well as a country rector, so that he was an eminent example of the "parson-naturalist". The four-volume Introduction to Entomology, co-written with William Spence, was widely influential.

Providence - Background Information:
Syston Park Hall, built in 1775 to the designs of John Lanwith, for Sir John Thorold. The hall was demolished in 1925. It was the seat of the Thorold baronets, who had relocated from Cranwell Manor. The 9th and 10th baronets both served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, in 1778 and 1822 respectively. The 10th baronet commissioned architect Lewis Vulliamy in 1822-4 to build a new library which was then richly stocked with rare books and manuscripts, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible. On his death in 1831 the property passed to his widow Mary Anne, who married Sir Charles Ogle, Bt in 1834.

The contents of the house were dispersed in sales held in 1884 and 1923 and the house demolished soon afterwards.