Quartos. 252, [3]; 252 pages. Indexed at the end of the first volume. Large format books, the bindings measure 11 /14 inches tall by about 9 inches wide. Hardcovers bound in early 3/4 green calf with green cloth-covered boards. Bindings signed (in type) in the verso of the front flyleaves, "Bound by Bayntun (Riviere) Bath, England." Raised bands on the spines, which have 6 compartments each. Dual leather labels per spine. The compartments are nicely stamped in decorative gilt with floral designs. Some rubbing to the bindings and spotting on the cloth. Faux marbled endpapers. Prior owner's signature of "William Lanier Hunt" on the second front flyleaves. Text is foxed, especially at the front and rear. Nicely illustrated throughout. Collates complete with 24 color plates (12 per volume) and numerous black and white full-page illustrations. Scarce in such nice bindings. Possibly a custom binding, which would make this set unique.
William Lanier Hunt (1906-1996), the former owner, was known as the "Dean of Southern Horticulture."
He donated land along the Morgan Creek in southern Orange County, NC
to the North Carolina Botanical Garden and is now known as the Hunt
Arboretum.
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