Tryon, G. W. — Structural and systematic conchology: an introduction to the study of the Mollusca. Volumes I-III. [The original, hand-coloured edition].

Philadelphia, PA, the author, 1882-1884. Three parts in three. 8vo (21.5 x 14.5 cm). 1203 pp. [viii, 312; 430; 453]; 139 (of 140) lithographed plates of which 72 (as intendended) carefully hand-coloured by Tryon. Uniform brown pebbled cloth; spines with gilt lines and title. = The first major work on general malacology by the American malacologist George Washington Tryon. This forms a prelude to his magnum opus, Manual of Conchology, Structural and Systematic: With Illustrations of the Species, which was continued by Henry Pilsbry to well into the 20th century. Plate numbering is consecutive, but page numbering starts anew in each volume. The set of the American malacologist and malaco-historian Richard Irwin Johnson (1925-2020) Included are two interesting additions. First, a sales leaflet, mounted on the first front free endpaper, listing all the different editions and their (reduced) prices, and including a statement supporting the idea that this set actually consists of two works, each separately available; and an excerpt from Science, in which an anonymous critic (but identified by Johnson as a young William Dall!) completely trashes the first volume. Small stamp of Johnson in the top margin of the titles; plate 50 bound in twice, one in error for the uncoloured plate 54, which is absent. Otherwise, an excellent set. Nissen ZBI, 4175.