40 volumes, small 8vo (168 x 105 mm). Frontispieces, additional engraved title-pages with vignettes, 1200 MOSTLY HAND-COLORED ENGRAVED PLATES. 19th-century half olive morocco, marbled boards, spines in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, gilt-lettering in 2, others with floral centerpiece devices gilt, top edges gilt (light rubbing at joints and corners). Provenance: Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939), American silent film actor and filmmaker (armorial bookplate).

A COMPLETE SET of the "People's Edition". The Naturalist's Library was Jardine's greatest achievement as it made natural history available to all facets of Victorian society which proved popular and accessible. Jardine was also the first to coin the term "ichnology" and the first to write a book on the subject. His personal library and museum of natural history was known as the finest in Britain at the time. Nissen ZBI 4708; Wood 405; Ayer/Zimmer 223-228.