First Howe edition, first impression, number 72 of only 150 copies on handmade paper. This is the first modern edition of Gerard's celebrated Renaissance herbal, edited and abridged by Marcus Woodward. A finely printed and beautifully illustrated production, it was aimed to "preserve as much as possible of the spirit of the original" (Introduction). The greatest and most famous English herbal, Gerard's Herball or Generall Historie of Plants was first published in 1597, and subsequently enlarged by the London apothecary and botanist Thomas Johnson in 1633 and 1636. It detailed, with illustrations, several hundred English plants and many other foreign species. The publication "gripped the imagination of the English garden-loving world, and now, after the lapse of three hundred years, it still retains its hold on us. There are English-speaking people the world over who may know nothing of any other, but at least by name they know Gerard's Herball" (Rohde, p. 98). The present edition, "a miniature of the great Gerard", contains a selection of the "best and most characteristic passages" (Introduction), reprinted faithfully according to the original division into books and chapters, and accompanied by reproductions of the original illustrations. It also includes a short biography of Gerard, a summary of his sources, and a final appendix with notes identifying some of the plants described. Octavo. Original vellum over boards, spine with raised bands, gilt lettering to second compartment, top edge gilt, others untrimmed, several gatherings uncut. Housed in the original paper covered slipcase. Botanical illustrations throughout, facsimile reproduction of p. 1 of the 1636 edition. Modern bookplate of one Barrie Macey to front pastedown. Binding square and bright, couple of minor marks to vellum, contents clean. A near-fine copy. Retaining the slipcase, splits to edges, couple of tape repairs, but sound.
