J. O. Westwood — British Moths and Their Transformations

London, William Smith, 1845. First edition. Leather. Volume two of Westwood's highly influential Victorian educational guide to the moths of Great Britain. The first edition of the work. Volume two only, published in 1845. Volume one was published in 1843.  Lacking all plates. Half title retained. Additional blank leaves tipped in between pages, with the occasional inscription in a contemporary hand.   Written by John Obadiah Westwood, one of Britain's leading entomologists. The work was intended to introduce readers to the diversity of British moths while explaining their complete life cycle, from egg to adult moth. The work is particularly notable due to the passionate way in which Westwood advocated for increased interest in moths at a time where Victorian interests greatly prefered butterflies.  In quarter calf. Rebound with marbled boards retained and hinges reinforced. Bumping and rubbing to extremities. Internally firmly bound. Lacking all plates. Additional blank leaves tipped in between pages, with the occasional inscription in a contemporary hand.  Pages bright and clean. Good . Ill.: H. N. Humphreys. Good .