The PROOF copy of this exquisite Limited Edition reprint of the Paris c. 1660 edition. In-house presentation copy, NOT a numbered copy (blank) of the Limited Edition of 500. Printed on paper hand-made by F Amatruda, Amalfi. All pages inter-leaved with tissue. Marbled Endpapers, Top Edge Gilt. RARE & DESIRABLE #060416 From a copy in the Lindley Library of the Royal Horticultural Society. Robert started out as a painter of ornamental flower pictures but his work became more botanically oriented after he was hired by the Duke of Orleans to draw the rare and exotic plants and animals brought to the Duke’s gardens. Scholars believe that the Scottish botanist Robert Morison, director of the gardens, encouraged Robert to take a more scientific approach to his subject. #0717X