Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation (Volumes 1-7); Line drawings by Trevor L. Blake
Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland: Lothian Publishing Company, 1980-1997. First Edition. Seven volumes of nine (incomplete) from the library of Jim Willis, who wrote the foreword to volume one. Hardcover : profusely colour illustrated : blue endpapers with map of Australia in white : brown boards : lettering in white to spines : glossy colour illustrated dust jackets : loosely inserted is Willis's autograph notes for launching volume 2 (4 palm card size pages) and his corrections to volume 3 (single folded foolscap sheet), a receipt for volume 5; and a "no charge" invoice in volume 1.
J.H. Willis ex-libris stamp to each volume (except Vol 7) at the front free endpaper and title page and to the cover of volume 6; light scuffing and some minor edgewear to jackets (3mm vertical tear to the tail of Volume 7 jacket at spine); light shelf wear to the text blocks; occasional scant foxing to prelims. Item #15642
From the library of James Hamlyn Willis (Jim to his friends), who passed away in 1995 prior to the last three volumes being published. Willis wrote the foreword to the first volume and volume seven is dedicated to his memory. We surmise a copy of volume seven was sent to his family posthumously. His passing may also explain why the set is incomplete, as he was no longer alive to acquire the last two volumes. His signed autograph notes for the launch of volume 2 point to his comprehensive knowledge of the project and his friendship with and admiration for the authors.
Further details of the loosely inserted ephemera can be provided on request.
This is a heavy item and will require additional postage.
Price: $800.00