PONTOPPIDAN, ERICH (ERIK).

The Natural History of Norway: containing, a particular Account of the Temperature of the Air, the different Soils, Water, Vegetables, Metals, Minerals, Stones, beasts, Birds, and Fishes: together with the Dispositions, Customs, and Manner of Living of the Inhabitants [...] In Two Parts. Illustrated with Copper Plates and a general Map of Norway.

London, A. Linde, 1755.

Folio (370 x 225). Bound in a nice later half calf binding with six bands and gilt lettering to spine. Light miscoluring to spine otheriwse a very find and clean copy. XXIII, (1), 206, VII, (1), 291,(1) + Index (12) pp. + large folded hand coloured map and 28 engraved plates. 

First and only English edition of Erich Pontoppidan's extensive work on the flora and fauna of Norway. The first part deals with geology and plants, the second animals, birds and sea creatures, including a depiction of a huge sea serpent. Pontoppidan (1698-1764), the Bishop of Bergen from 1747 to 1754 and a member of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Copenhagen, published the original Danish version in 1752-3.

Order-nr.: 60168