A most unusual collection of natural specimens
Albertus Seba's Cabinet of 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 gained international fame during his lifetime. In 1731, after decades of collecting, Seba commissioned illustrations of every specimen and arranged the publication of a four-volume catalog–from strange and exotic plants to snakes, frogs, crocodiles, shellfish, corals, birds, and butterflies, as well as fantastic beasts, such as a hydra and a dragon.
Seba's scenic illustrations, often mixing plants and animals in a single plate, were unusual even for the time. The more peculiar creatures from the collection–some of them now extinct–were as curious in Seba's day as they are today.
Our superb reproduction is taken from a rare, hand-colored original. The introduction supplies background information about the fascinating tradition to which Seba's curiosities belonged.
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About the Author
The authors:
Irmgard Müsch, born in 1967, studied art history, history and classical archaeology in Mainz and Berlin. Her Ph.D. thesis from 1999 examines Johann Jakob Scheuchzer’s Kupfer-Bibel, a richly illustrated scientific commentary on the Bible from the early 18th century. She has published on art of the 18th and 20th century, scientific illustrations and Kunstkammer pieces.
Jes Rust, born 1963, completed his studies in geology, palaeontology and zoology at Göttingen and Kiel. His thesis dealt with the evolution of fossil snails living in the fresh and brackish waters of prehistoric Greece. His assistantship at the Institute of Zoology in Göttingen between 1993 and 1999 was followed by his appointment in 2001 as professor of invertebrate palaeontology and insect phylogeny at the University of Bonn.
Rainer Willmann holds a chair in zoology at Göttingen University, is director of its Zoological Museum, and is co-founder of its Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research. A specialist in phlogenetics and evolution, he conducts research into biodiversity and its history.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Jul
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book holds a great arsenal of images and characters. Very inspiring for those who are involved with design, or illustration, and of course people who are just curious with what nature has to offer.
The execution of the drawings is amazing, and the print quality is good.
I can just stare at each page for a long time.
The execution of the drawings is amazing, and the print quality is good.
I can just stare at each page for a long time.
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By M. ROSENTHAL
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is breathtaking. It's from Taschen so you know it's going to be the best illustrations, paper, covering, etc. The price is unheard of as well. This book probably originally sold for $200 dollars, so this selling for $26.39 with free shipping is hands down a must have. You will not be disappointed in this book, absolutely perfect :)
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By cloudlife
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have been wanting one of the older bigger much much more expensive copies of this book for a long time. Was very happy to find this new very reasonably priced version of the book!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
CABINET OF NATURAL CURIOSITIES
THIS BOOK IS BEAUTIFUL, LARGE WELL ILLUSTRATED AND ENTERTAINING TO MYSELF, AND TO OTHERS. WELL WORTH THE PURCHASE AND LOOKS DECORATIVE ON A COFFEY TABLE. Read more
Published 19 days ago by barbaabrassil
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful book.
My husband has been admiring this book in bookstores for a couple of years. Now it lives on our coffee table. We enjoy the amazing illustrations.
Published 21 days ago by BlueMonkey
2.0 out of 5 stars
You get what you pay for
The publisher Taschen has provided this classic work in several editions that differ in quality, number of color plates, amount of material and price. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Healthy Cynic
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
Fantastic book- I'm SO happy i have this!
Albertus Seba is an amazing illustrator and you're depriving yourself if you don't get this book.
WHAT AN AMAZING DEAL TOO! Read more
Albertus Seba is an amazing illustrator and you're depriving yourself if you don't get this book.
WHAT AN AMAZING DEAL TOO! Read more
Published 29 days ago by Michellle
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good addition to my library
I like this book, but I'm not totally wild about it. Something about the illustration style doesn't really do it for me. Still, I'm glad I have it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by SrhW
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poor print quality
I believe the reason this book is so inexpensive is that the printing is off. The colors are very dark and brash, which just ruins the delicate quality of the drawings for me. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Torey W.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Perfect Gift
I bought this as a gift for a family member who loved it, and thanked me profusely for it. She loved the subject matter, and the quality of the book printing and illustrations.
Published 2 months ago by reading helper
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic
The eclectic images in this well designed book are a varied and wonderful reference for all kinds of interesting subjects.
Published 2 months ago by Mitch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunningly Beautiful Book
I have been wanting this book for a long time, but couldn't find an affordable copy. This edition is just gorgeous. Read more
Published 13 months ago by S. Penko
5.0 out of 5 stars
Big, beautiful coffee table book
A huge book of illustrations, including birds, insects, botanicals, coral, sea life, and more. Perfect large-scale coffee table book. Definitely a quality product for the price.
Published 17 months ago by Shellulis
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