The Botanic Garden. A Poem in Two Parts. 2 Vols.

xx + 492; xvi + 282 + (2) pp. An epic poem with extensive philosophical notes by Charles Darwin’s grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, comprised of Part I: The Economy of Vegetation and Part II: The Loves of the Plants with Philosopihcal Notes. Contemporary tree calf with gilt-decorated spine, and spine labels in black. Illustrated with numerous botanical plates, but also four plates of the Portland Vase and one reproducing Fuseli’s famous painting of “The Nightmare”. It is said that William Blake did five plates for this work, but only one, “The Fertilization of Egypt” is certain. Includes dedicatory poem by William Cowper and another by W, Hayley, probably the famous astronomer who gave his name to a comet. Part One touches on an embryonic theory of evolution; Part Two lays out the system of Linneus, but ultimately the Botanic Garden embraces the whole universe with a vision of the creation which was eagerly embraced by the Romantic poets. Armorial bookplate on front pastedowns; boards partially detached; soft crease on v.1 spine; spine labels missing on both volumes, with partial label remianing on vol.1; otherwise a remarkably clean, bright and tight copy with negligible foxing.