FRIES, Elias M.

Lund & Greifswald, Berling & Ernesti Mauritii, 1821-32. 8vo. LVII,+ (2),+ (blank),+ 520; (2),+ 274,+ (4),+ 275-620,+ (1); VIII,+ 259,+ (5),+ 261-524,+ 202,+ (5) pp. Page 35 and the second part title in part two with paper repair, part three with browning and foxing. Together with the supplement: FRIES, Elias M. Elenchus fungorum, sistens commentarium in systema mycologicum. 1-2. Greifswald, Ernesti Mauritii, 1828. 8vo. (2),+ 238; (2),+ 154 pp. Without the 6 pp. preface and errata to the second part. ”Systema” in three uniform mid 19th-century english half calf volumes with gilt- and blindstamped spines with raised bands, and with all edges red. ”Elenchus” in two contemporary marbled paper boards, spines with red edges, all edges red. Together five volumes. Owner’s signatures on front fly-leaves dated 1859, and from the library of Nils Fries, with his bookplate. Volbracht 634 & 638. Uellner 517. Krok 86 a & b. Stafleu 1867. Pritzel 3068. First edition of the most important work by the Swedish botanist and mycologist Elias Magnus Fries (1794-1878), one of the founders of taxonomic mycologi, with his large systematic classification of fungi. Nearly 5000 species are described by Fries in these four volumes, and his fame today rests mainly on this intimate knowledge of the fungal species and his naming of them. His general classification however, is now of minor importance. The general index in the third part, also covering the Elenchus is made by A. E. Lindblom. Part one and two were later issued in a Titelauflage, with the imprint changed to Greifswald. Fine provenance from Elias M. Fries’ descendant Nils Fries (1912-94), also professor of botany at the university of Uppsala.