Large 8vo (9 11/16 x 7 1/4 in.; 246 x 183mm). 21 plates, 19 of which in color; foxing sometimes affecting plates, offsetting, one or two closed marginal tears to text leaves, plate 2 with small tear. Modern quarter red calf over marbled boards, spine with raised bands in six compartments, gilt-lettered black labels to second and fourth, others with floral motif in blindstamp. 

Large 8vo (9 11/16 x 7 1/4 in.; 246 x 183mm). 21 plates, 19 of which in color; foxing sometimes affecting plates, offsetting, one or two closed marginal tears to text leaves, plate 2 with small tear. Modern quarter red calf over marbled boards, spine with raised bands in six compartments, gilt-lettered black labels to second and fourth, others with floral motif in blindstamp.
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, limited to 1000 copies. "The object contemplated in publishing this small work (which may be viewed as a supplement to Sir Joseph Fayrer's 'Thanatophidia of India') has been to place in the hands of the busy officials of India a handy-book, by means of which they may easily recognise any of the poisonous reptiles of the Peninsula." In fact, the plates present here were taken from Fayrer's 'Thanatophidia of India', and are reproduced in a smaller format. With very few exceptions the snakes depicted were drawn from life by members of the Calcutta School of Art.