Zoology Lacépède, Bernard-Germain-Étienne de Histoire naturelle des quadrupèdes ovipares et des serpens. 2 vols. With 63 copper plates after father and son De Seve, 2 copper engravings and 2 folded plates. Paris, Hôtel de Thou, 1788-89. 18, 651 (1), (4), 527 (1) pp. 4°. Marbled boards. Calf cloth with gilt stamped title on label and flor. R-gilt, staggered fillets, scroll marbled endpapers and marbled boards on three sides. Cut. First edition of the first comprehensive work on egg-laying quadrupeds and snakes. - Nissen ZBI, 2350 - Bénézit, II, p. 85 (De Seve fils). - Richly illustrated monograph on amphibians and reptiles, which Buffon, whose friend and co-worker Lacépède (1756-1826) was, was to complete posthumously. The detailed and high-contrast engravings after drawings by Jacques de Seve and his son show armoured animals (including tortoises), lizards (including crocodiles) and snakes, all in natural, antique-style surroundings in keeping with the taste of the time. Four further editions of the work were published up to 1819, mostly with fewer plates. - Bindings slightly bumped and rubbed in places, headpieces dusty, otherwise a clean copy in decorative bindings. Zoology. - With 63 copper engraved plates after De Seve père and fils, 2 copper engraved vignetees and 2 folded tabs. First edition of the first comprehensive work on egg-laying quadrupeds and snakes. - Nissen ZBI, 2350 - Bénézit, II, p. 85 (De Seve fils). - Richly illustrated monograph on amphibians and reptiles, intended to complete the great Buffon, whose friend and collaborator Lacépède (1756-1826) was. The accurately executed engravings after drawings by Jacques de Seve and his son show armoured animals (turtles among others), lizards (e.g. crocodles) and snakes in a natural, however pseudo-antique environment in keeping with the taste of the time. Four further editions of the work were published until 1819, mostly with fewer plates. - Bindings slightly bumped and worn in places, top edges dusty, otherwise a clean copy in decorative bindings. This lot is taxed. There is a 24.95% surcharge on the hammer price and 7% (books, art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, silkscreens, offset prints, photographs) on the final invoice amount in the European Union. This work is subject to the regular margin scheme. There is a 24.95% buyer's premium on the hammer price and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offsetprints and Photographs) on the final invoice amount in the European Union.