Rare Book Monthly

Book Catalogue Reviews - March - 2008 Issue

Exceptional Works from Michael Sharpe Rare and Antiquarian Books

Roederer's in utero illustration.

Roederer's in utero illustration.


Item 97 is an astonishing in utero look long before the development of ultrasound. The work is Icones Uteri Humani Observationibus Illustratae by J.G. Roederer, published in 1759. This work on the in utero development of babies includes spectacular illustrations. One can't help but wonder how he knew what to draw, but maybe it's better not to know. Roederer was a professor of medicine as well as a talented artist. $3,750.

Item 29 is a later edition (1827) of an important botanical work, Plantarum Succulentarum Historia. Histoire des Plantes Grasses. The text for this work was written by August Candolle. However, what is more notable is the illustrations. It contains 182 plates by the great rose and flower artist Pierre-Joseph Redoute. This book combines art and science. $28,500.

You may reach Michael Sharpe Rare and Antiquarian Books at 626-405-2934 or info@sharperarebooks.com. Their website is www.sharperarebooks.com.

Rare Book Monthly

  • Sotheby's
    Fine Books, Manuscripts & More
    Available for Immediate Purchase
    Sotheby’s: William Shakespeare.
    The Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare, 1960. 7,210 USD
    Sotheby’s: Charles Dickens.
    A Christmas Carol, First Edition, 1843. 17,500 USD
    Sotheby’s: William Golding.
    Lord of the Flies, First Edition, 1954. 5,400 USD
    Sotheby's
    Fine Books, Manuscripts & More
    Available for Immediate Purchase
    Sotheby’s: Lewis Carroll.
    Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, Inscribed First Edition, 1872. 25,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: J.R.R. Tolkien.
    The Hobbit, First Edition, 1937. 12,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: John Milton.
    Paradise Lost, 1759. 5,400 USD

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