Hesperides sive de malorum avreorum cultura et usu libri quatuor. Rome: Hermann Scheus, 1646. 98 (of 101) engravings on 97 sheets including engraved half-title, with engraved vignette on title and engraved vignette initials throughout. Folio (230 x 346 mm). Modern half calf gilt. Lacking text leaves G2, M1, and N1, outer edge of G1 tape-repaired, a few tears to edges of leaves touching margins of 2 plates, leaves darkened throughout affecting approx. 6 plates, mild dampstaining to upper margins of approx. 100 leaves including title, engraved half title, and approx. 12 plates, previous owner signature torn from bottom edge of title.

First edition of one of the earliest and most important works on citrus. The great majority of plates represent illustrations of citrons, lemons and oranges, most after Cornelis Bloemaert, including some of the earliest depictions of orangeries and citrus hothouses, along with a few allegorical and classical studies. Nissen 621; Hunt 243; Pritzel 2878; Cleveland Collections 206.
See illustration.