1892-1904 · Lowville, N. Y.
by HOUGH, Romeyn Beck
Ten volumes. Each volume
includes a booklet in original wrappers and a number of loose plates, each
with 3 identified samples. Complete with a total of 254 plates containing 762
samples. Each volume bound into a portfolio of pebbled cloth and encased in
the original cloth box with clasps (a small portion of the Vol. IV clasp missing), tops and bottoms marbled. Other than some minor tears to a few of the
plates (not affecting any sample), an excellent set from the library of the Botanische Staatsinsitute Hamburg with their small bookplate on the verso of
each front wrapper.
First editions (other than the first two volumes which are in second
edition). Hough's intention was to create "an exhibition of nature itself." After seeing a work of cross-sections of European trees, Hough decided to create his own representing American woods, and published these volumes over
a 25-year period. He developed and patented a veneer cutter capable of slicing wood to a thickness of 1/1200 in. Each tree is thoroughly described in
the booklets including its botanical and physical properties, habitat, general
and medicinal uses, and other aspects with names in four languages.
Hough (1857-1924) was a physician and botanist. These volumes (14
were published in total) were widely well received and acclaimed for their
scientific information, beauty and usefulness to everyone interested in forestry and botany, including professionals. American woods won numerous
awards; reviews described it as "one of the most valuable contributions to the
literature of forestry" and "absolutely without rival."
"For antiquarian booksellers American Woods is 'one of the most
sought-after sets of the 20th century'. In 2000 art auction house Christie's
sold a complete set for $92,100" (Wikipedia).
BM, Natural History, II, p. 880; Stafleu & Cowan, Taxonomic Literature, II, p. 341. (Inventory #: 19123)
includes a booklet in original wrappers and a number of loose plates, each
with 3 identified samples. Complete with a total of 254 plates containing 762
samples. Each volume bound into a portfolio of pebbled cloth and encased in
the original cloth box with clasps (a small portion of the Vol. IV clasp missing), tops and bottoms marbled. Other than some minor tears to a few of the
plates (not affecting any sample), an excellent set from the library of the Botanische Staatsinsitute Hamburg with their small bookplate on the verso of
each front wrapper.
First editions (other than the first two volumes which are in second
edition). Hough's intention was to create "an exhibition of nature itself." After seeing a work of cross-sections of European trees, Hough decided to create his own representing American woods, and published these volumes over
a 25-year period. He developed and patented a veneer cutter capable of slicing wood to a thickness of 1/1200 in. Each tree is thoroughly described in
the booklets including its botanical and physical properties, habitat, general
and medicinal uses, and other aspects with names in four languages.
Hough (1857-1924) was a physician and botanist. These volumes (14
were published in total) were widely well received and acclaimed for their
scientific information, beauty and usefulness to everyone interested in forestry and botany, including professionals. American woods won numerous
awards; reviews described it as "one of the most valuable contributions to the
literature of forestry" and "absolutely without rival."
"For antiquarian booksellers American Woods is 'one of the most
sought-after sets of the 20th century'. In 2000 art auction house Christie's
sold a complete set for $92,100" (Wikipedia).
BM, Natural History, II, p. 880; Stafleu & Cowan, Taxonomic Literature, II, p. 341. (Inventory #: 19123)