A DELIGHTFUL WORK PICTORIALLY..MOST CAREFULLY COLORED AND A SOURCE OF LASTING INTEREST AND INFORMATION G.Dunthorne. The Curtis Botanical Magazine is distinguished as the longest running botanical publication of all time. It started in 1787 and has continued on through today having become the publication called Kew Magazine. The first series (Vol. 1-40) are the most difficult to find and the most coveted because of the artistry of the work of botanical artist Sydenham Edwards. Edwards was the chief illustrator during this period and he is largely credited for the fine quality of the copperplate engravings and the delicate and beautiful hand-coloring. 96 Copperplate engravings hand- colored, first series, 8vo. (5.5"x 9.25") quarter leather with marbled boards, plates are in good to excellent condition with some spotting and some offsetting, binding fair with spine bumped and chipped top and bottom and torn (upper spine) hinges starting. References: Dunthorne 189 Nissen 2350.