The geographical distribution of mammals.

London, Day and Son, 1866. 4to (27.2 x 21.2 cm). xvi, 436 pp.; tinted frontispiece, handcoloured profile, 101 chromolithographed distribution maps, including some with additional hand colouring (several double-paged, many on a single page, or two maps on one page) and a large appendix. Contemporary polished half calf over iridescent, gilt-bordered cloth; spine with four raised, gilt-lined bands; compartment rich gilt with floral patterns and red morocco label with gilt title. Front board with gilt armorial vignette. Red speckled edges. = A fine, beautifully bound copy of an important work and a classic in zoogeography by the Scottish naturalist Andrew Murray (1812-1878), noted by Casey Wood as: "one of the most important contributions to zoogeography extant". It was only Wallace who continued these basic animal researches in his Geographical distribution of Animals in 1876. Murray is principally known as a botanist and entomologist. This is his most important work on mammals and on zoogeography. Provenance: Armorial bookplate of the Scottish planter J. Lamont of Knockdow, "ne parcas nec spernas" on the front pastedown. Apart from some foxing - mainly to the endpapers - a fine copy in an unusual attractive binding. Wood, p. 476. Not in Nissen.