Francis Masson
Stapellae Novae 1796

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Price: $9,500

This volume is the finest work on Stapelia ever produced, as well as the first. It was the result of more than a decade’s explorations of the African continent by Francis Masson, the first official plant hunter for Kew Gardens. Masson (1741-1805) took the opportunity to collect seeds and plants for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Before his journeys, western botanists only knew of two types of Stapelia; this volume introduced approximately 40 types to the public. Published in four sections from 1796-1797, the work contains 41 superbly hand-colored engraved plates. Bound to style in 18th century half-diced russia over marbled paper-covered boards, with a gilt design. The volume is folio sized measuring 14 ¼ inches by 10 inches.

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