The Aurelian; A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies together with the Figures of their Transformations and the Plants on which they feed

London: Printed for the Author, and sold by J. Edwards, 1766 [but c.1839]. (2), iv, 145, (5), hand-col frontis, additional ornamental hand-col title, hand-col diagramatic plate + 44 fine hand col plates. . HB. Folio, cont. full red morocco, spine with raised bands, ornately decorated in gilt with butterfly motif to each compartment, dec. gilt borders to both boards and gilt inner dentelles, a.e.g., marbled endpapers. Boards a little rubbed and scuffed; some wear to corners and top of spine, joints rubbed and becoming tender to head and foot, but still firm. Some light browning and occasional spotting to text (not affecting plates). A handsome copy.. Rare proof copy for the Fourth edition. Lisney describes this issue as a proof for the fourth edition (which was edited by J.O. Westwood and published in 1840), with plates pulled from the original blocks, and printed on glossy paper. The text has been supplied from the third edition. "A proof of a new title page and a printing of Westwood's systematic nomenclature was prepared, to which was added the text from an earlier edition. No doubt these and possibly other proof copies were issued so that the editor could decide what extent alterations were necessary in the new edition." Lisney, 236.Moses Harris (1730-c. 1788) was an English entomologist, painter, engraver and book illustrator, one of the most celebrated masters of insect portraiture. He brought innovations to the fields of art, science and the history of the book. His most celebrated work, 'The Aurelian' is considered one of the finest of all early illustrated books on Lepidoptera..