A Presentation of Divers Strange and Rare Beests

by Brigitte Klosterberg

This unique assortment of rare and often amusing eighteenth-century engravings is the perfect collector's item for animal lovers and bibliophiles alike. A German art dealer, engraver, and painter of miniatures, Johann Daniel Meyer published his three-volume magnum opus. "The Pleasant and Useful Pastime of Studying Curious Presentations of All Kyndes of Creeping, Flying and Swimming Beests Living and Eating on land and in the water, between the years 1748 and 1756. Within the pages of this work by a collection of more than two hundred painstakingly depicted meerkats, horned hares, parrots and other exotic fauna, along with "scientific" descriptions of their anatomy, bone structure, and physical characteristics. Published prior to the establishment of zoos and the invention of photography, works such as Meyer's offered the only glimpse of exotic animals from faraway lands. This delightful, elegant book features thirty of the most intriguing creatures from Meyer's original work. Beautifully presented in full-page, four-color plates, each illustration is accompanied by a short text. An exquisite gift or keepsake, this unusual study appeals to people's innate pleasure in nature's curiosities.

80 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2004