Edward T Bennett — The Tower Menagerie

London, Robert Jennings, 1829. First edition. Fine Binding. A finely bound, first edition copy of this beautifully illustrated natural history study, compiled by noted botanist Edward Bennett. Bookplate to the front pastedown, Christopher Turnor, Stoke Rochford Library.  Turner was a Conservative MP who sat in the House of Commons for six years. He was a great promoter of Lincolnshire architecture. In a Hayday binding, with the binder's stamp to the verso of front endpaper. Prior owner's inscription to the recto of front endpaper. Beautifully illustrated throughout, with wood engravings after drawings by William Harvey.With sections on a variety of animals including Bengal Lions, Tigers, Pumas, the Wolf, Jackal, Racoon, Baboon, Llama, Pelican and Anaconda.  In a full morocco binding, with gilt stamping to the boards and spine. Externally, very smart. Light rubbing to the joints, extremities and to the raised bands. Occasional light spots to boards. Bookplate to the front pastedown. Prior owner's inscription to the recto of front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright. Light spots to the endpapers. Otherwise, pages are very clean. Near Fine . Ill.: William Harvey. Near Fine .