The first edition, in three handsome period bindings. Richard Duppa (1770–1831) describes the taxonomic system first developed by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus He includes detailed instructions to name, describe and rank different species of plants and includes a 41-page botanical dictionary and a 9-page index. all but three of the 240 engravings are beautifully hand coloured.

The first edition, in three handsome period bindings. Richard Duppa (1770–1831) describes the taxonomic system first developed by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus He includes detailed instructions to name, describe and rank different species of plants and includes a 41-page botanical dictionary and a 9-page index. all but three of the 240 engravings are beautifully hand coloured.

A prolific writer, Duppa studied art in Rome and was skilled in drawing. He wrote on botanical, artistic and political topics and was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He lived at 7, Weymouth Street, Portland Place and died in Lincoln's Inn, London on 11 July 1831. The British Museum describes him as a printmaker, draughtsman and author and, as none of the botanical illustrations in this publication carry an artist or engraver's name it is likely that Duppa was personally responsible for the entire production.

This encyclopaedic botanical publication is a remarkable artistic achievement compiled by a knowledgeable botanist, and and an accomplished artist.