Samuel H. Scudder — Butterflies

New York, Henry Holt and Company, 1881 . First edition. Cloth. An extremely scarce first edition of this presentation copy of Scudder's illustrated study of butterflies. First edition, in the publisher's original pictorial cloth binding. Very scarce. The author's presentation copy, with a bookplate to the front paste down presenting the work to the Boston Society of Natural History, from the author, dated June 25, 1881. First work on butterflies and very rare. This work is a comprehensive study of butterflies, including their structure, changes and life histories, with a special focus on American forms. Written by American entomologist and paleontologist, Samuel Hubbard Scudder, who was a leading authority on butterflies and grasshoppers and the founder of insect paleontology in America. With charming vignettes throughout to accompany the text. Blind stamp of the Society of Natural History, Boston, to the title page and prefatory note. In the publisher's original pictorial cloth binding. Externally, generally smart, with slight rubbing to the extremities and to the spine, causing a small amount of loss to the cloth. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spine. Hinges slightly strained but holding firm. Author's presentation bookplate to the front paste down, alongside a library label. Library regulations label to the rear paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean with the occasional light mark. Blind stamp to title page and prefatory note. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .