The Natural History of British Shells
by Edward Donovan, F.L.S. (1768-1837)

London: Printed for the author, and for F. and C. Rivington, No 62, St. Paul's Church-yard
by Pye and Law, St. John's Square, Glerkenwall
1799-1803

Original hand-coloured engravings over 200 years old
Sheet size: approx. 5.5 x 9.25 inches

Donovan produced this work in 60 parts over five years, with 180 hand-colored engravings based on his own drawings. A dedicated naturalist and collector, he opened his collections to the public in 1807 as the London Museum and Institute of Natural History. Having exhausted his wealth in his lifelong determination to expand his collections and publish his books (the profits of which were kept by the booksellers), Donovan was reduced to penury toward the end of his life.