The Naturalist’s Library 26. Mammalia.

Title

The Naturalist’s Library 26. Mammalia.

Description

Book no. 26 on 264 pages / The Naturalist's Library. Edited by Sir William Jardine, Bart. Mammalia. Whales, etc. by Robert Hamilton, published by Henry G. Bohn, London 1861, engraved by W. H. Lizars. A portrait of the naturalist Bernard Germain Lacépède, title page, table of contents, 29 plates with whales, dolphins, whalers and their surroundings, partial colouring.

c. 1861

Artist

Lizars (1788-1859)

W.H. Lizars was a Scottish publisher, illustrator, and engraver of the 19th century, known for his work in the field of natural history publications and especially for his detailed illustrations of animals and plants. He was a talented engraver, whose works were particularly renowned for their attention to detail and precision. Lizars also worked as a publisher and collaborated with prominent naturalists of his time, including Sir William Jardine and other notable scientists. His precise and artistic representations significantly contributed to the popularization of natural history and zoology, helping to spark interest in the world of animals and plants, especially during a time when knowledge of nature and its diversity was rapidly expanding.

Historical Description

W.H. Lizars published "The Naturalist's Library, Volume 26: Mammalia" in 1861. This edition was part of a larger series, published by Sir William Jardine and others, aimed at informing a broad readership about natural history and the animal world. The book contains detailed descriptions of mammals from various geographical regions. It covers various aspects of their life and anatomy, including reproduction, behavior, diet, and habitats. A striking feature of the Naturalist's Library is the quality of the illustrations, often created by talented artists like W.H. Lizars. These illustrations helped make the scientific descriptions more vivid and understandable. Lizars was known for his fine, detailed drawings, which in this edition were both lively and informative, depicting the different species of mammals from both a zoological and aesthetic perspective. In the 19th century, interest in natural science and exploration was very strong. Works like this reflect the growing public fascination with the animal world, influenced by the scientific advancements of the time, including the works of Charles Darwin.