"Cactus Grandiflora" (Large-flowered Cereus)

 
This striking image was contained in The Botanist"s Repository, Henry C. Andrew"s earliest work. The book was published in London in ten volumes between 1797 and 1812. Andrews depicted a large number of new species in illustrations that he drew and engraved himself. The high quality of the volumes and the low price at which they were sold, made them very popular with the expanding base of amateur gardeners.  So popular, in fact, that he was able to raise the price. The accompanying text describes the virtues of the plants (e.g. "no genus of plants more remarkable has yet been discovered...") and a key identifies the parts of the plant.

16 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches, sheet.
Hand colored engraving.
Some minor soiling at the top of the sheet. Folds as expected. Complete with accompanying text.