This eleven volume work with 526 beautiful orchid lithographs is Robert Warner's work The Orchid Album, Comprising Coloured Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, and Beautiful Orchidaceous Plants. The work was published in London between 1882 and 1897. The illustrations for the work were done by John Nugent Fitch, the nephew of Walter H. Fitch.

The work features a hand-colored frontispiece in volume one. There are 526 originally hand-colored lithographed and chomolithographed plates bound into eleven volumes. Most of the plates will have retained the original guard sheets and all descriptive text. The work is bound in dark plum-brown coloured publisher's cloth, elaborate embossed borders front covers in black of orchid leaves, gilt lettering front covers & Spines.

This is the first edition of a prolifically illustrated work for orchid growers and lovers. It was produced as part of the Orchidelirium craze of the Victorian era. The work was to both accurately depict the orchids as well as describe their nomenclature and care. "Orchid hunting" was a treacherous sport and the volumes will often credit those who secured the specimens, often from difficult terrains in Central America, South America, and Asia.

Provenance: Library of Dr. George May Lowe (1843-1912) noted Lincoln, Lincolnshire physician and surgeon, naturalist, orchid collector. Also University of Liverpool bookplates.


Paper Size ~ 9 1/4" by 12"

The work is in very good to excellent condition. There is some minor wear and rubbing to the corners, head, and foot of spines. There is some occasional very light foxing, but still very good to excellent overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox marks or handling to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.