From the Bookshelf

This is an over sized tome  of wonder and delight. Plate after plate after colourful plate of all things weird and wonderful from the noteworthy and extensive collection of Albertus Seba, a Dutch apothecary of the late 17th - early 18th century.  His collection of natural specimens was vast and is documented here in his meticulous renderings.  Seba would collect, preserve (many in huge glass jars), and then painstakingly draw each animal, shell and plant.  His collection is generally regarded to be the most extensive, not only of his time, but possibly of all time.  I was lucky enough to pick up my copy at an amazing sale at Barnes & Noble several years ago.  They are still out there, in various editions, for various prices. A wonderful reference volume and for those of us who like this sort of thing - massive eye candy!