Volume I (all published), folio (17 7/8 x 12 1/2 in.; 458 x 317 mm). Half-title, 48 hand-colored lithographed plates by F. Detollenaere after Detollenaere and Maubert; minor toning, minor foxing to one or two plates, one or two closed marginal tears to text leaves and plates, not affecting images. Expertly bound to style in blue half morocco over 19th-century paper-covered boards, spines with raised bands in six compartments, second gilt-lettered, others with repeat overall gilt floral motif; minor rubbing to extremities.

'Great Flower Books' 113; Nissen BBI 1196; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 4622

Volume I (all published), folio (17 7/8 x 12 1/2 in.; 458 x 317 mm). Half-title, 48 hand-colored lithographed plates by F. Detollenaere after Detollenaere and Maubert; minor toning, minor foxing to one or two plates, one or two closed marginal tears to text leaves and plates, not affecting images. Expertly bound to style in blue half morocco over 19th-century paper-covered boards, spines with raised bands in six compartments, second gilt-lettered, others with repeat overall gilt floral motif; minor rubbing to extremities.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First edition of this important large format work on a wide-ranging selection of the most beautiful orchids then in cultivation, originating from all the tropical regions of the world.Although the work was a collaborative effort between Linden, G. Lüddemann, J.E. Planchon and M.G. Reichenbach, the editorial control remained with Linden. A native of Luxembourg, Linden moved to Belgium in his youth and during his working life was responsible for the importation of over 1100 different orchid species. He was "An orchid hunter par excellence.. [and] was the first to search the mountain regions diligently for his orchids. In so doing, he was able to obtain many cool-temperature plants for his sponsors in Belgium. After ten years in the western hemisphere, Linden returned to work in Brussels in 1845, where with his son, Lucien, he founded Horticulture Internationale, the first major commercial competitor of the British orchid house Messrs. Sander" ('The Orchid Observed' no.16 ). The work was published in 12 monthly parts, each containing 4 plates, beginning on 1 June 1854, and forming a single "magnifique volume in-folio."