Iconotypes: A Compendium Of Butterflies & Moths

Between the late 18th and 19th-centuries, wine merchant and amateur entomologist William Jones captured hundreds of species of butterflies and moths in gorgeous, painstakingly detailed watercolor paintings. These illustrations were compiled to create Jones Icones — an important entry in the world of entomology that until now had only existed as a single manuscript copy housed at the archives of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. An enhanced facsimile of this original document, Iconotypes: A Compendium of Butterflies and Moths is the first ever publication of Jones’ work, filled with stunning reproductions of his paintings and original handwritten notations. As illuminating as it is beautiful, this lavish volume also features informative captions that clarify Jones’ historical references; fascinating contextual commentary from specialist entomologist Richard I. Vane-Wright on Jones’ life and the significance of his work; informative essays from expert art historians, taxonomists and environmental scientists; and annotated maps that highlight the geographical location where each featured specimen was discovered. The perfect gift for art historians and aspiring lepidopterists alike, Iconotypes is also the perfect way to add a bit of naturalist history to your own bookshelf.

•7.75″W x 2.25″D x 10.25″H

•text by Stefanie Jovanovic-Kruspel, Arlene Leis, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Richard I. Vane-Wright and Alberto Zilli
•made in partnership with Oxford University Museum of Natural History
•foreword by Paul Smith
•introduction by Richard I. Vane-Wright
•hardcover
•688 pages