The Natural History of British insects.

London, for the author and for F. and C. Rivington, 1796-1813. . 16 vols in 8 complete set, 8vo, 576 hand-coloured copper plates, some upper hinges split but still firm, some light offsetting and sporadic foxing, mostly light but heavier in a few instances and in the main, not affecting plates; contemporary green morocco gilt, all edges gilt, a very handsome set.
MP22 The work that established Donovan's reputation. Each volume contains high quality plates illustrating the life-cycles of the insects, which he often drew from life. It was initially intended to consist of 10 volumes, but he later added a further six.

Edward Donovan (1768-1837) was an avid collector of natural history specimens purchased mainly at auctions of specimens from voyages of exploration. He was a fellow of the Linnean Society and the Wernerian Society which gave him access to the best collections and libraries in London. It was quite common for private collectors to open small public museums, and in 1807 he founded the London Museum and Institute of Natural History.
Nissen, ZBI 1142.