PRODUCT DETAILS

Taschen "Cabinet of Natural Curiosities" by Albertus Seba

Though it was common for men of his profession to collect natural specimens for research purposes, Amsterdam-based pharmacist Albertus Seba (1665-1736) had a passion that led him far beyond the call of duty. His amazing, unprecedented collection of animals, plants and insects from all around the world gained international fame during his lifetime. In 1731, after decades of collecting, Seba commissioned illustrations of each and every specimen and arranged the publication of a four-volume catalog detailing his entire collection-from strange and exotic plants to snakes, frogs, crocodiles, shellfish, corals, insects, butterflies and more, as well as fantastic beasts, such as a hydra and a dragon.

Albertus Seba’s "Cabinet of Curiosities" is one of the 18th century’s greatest natural history achievements and remains one of the most prized natural history books of all time. This complete reproduction is taken from a rare, hand-colored original. The introduction offers background information about the fascinating tradition of the cabinet of curiosities to which Seba’s curiosities belonged and an additional annex, written by contemporary biologists, provides descriptions of the specimens.

Pages: 588
Size: 11.4" x 17.3"
Edition: English