Seba. Cabinet of Natural Curiosities - by Irmgard Müsch & Jes Rust & Rainer Willmann (Hardcover)

About the Book

Albertus Seba's catalog of natural specimens is not only one of the 18th century's greatest natural history achievements but also one of the most prized natural history books of all time.

Book Synopsis

The Cabinet of Natural Curiosities is one of the 18th century's greatest natural history achievements and remains one of the most prized natural history books of all time. Though scientists of his era often collected natural specimens for research purposes, Amsterdam-based pharmacist Albertus Seba (1665-1736) was unrivaled in his passion. His amazing collection of animals, plants, and insects from all around the world earned him international fame.

In 1731, after decades of collecting, Seba commissioned careful and often scenic illustrations of every specimen. With these meticulous drawings, he arranged for the publication of a four-volume catalog, covering the entire collection from strange and exotic plants to snakes, frogs, crocodiles, shellfish, corals, birds, and butterflies, as well as creatures that are now extinct.

Taken from a rare hand-colored original, the best-selling collection features an introduction that contextualizes the fascinating tradition of natural collections to which Seba's curiosities belonged.

Review Quotes

"Snakes alive! What a cabinet of creepy-crawly curiosities."-- "The Independent"

"A powerful testament to nature's beauty and diversity."-- "Chicago Tribune"

"The eye-popping displays leave us in awe of the diversity of the natural world, as well as the engravers' skill in producing these beautifully detailed plates."-- "The Huffington Post"