[SCIENCES & NATURAL HISTORY] Noël-Antoine PLUCHE - The spectacle of nature Published by the widow Estienne and Jean Desaint in Paris, 1732 - 1739 - Beautiful set of the first 4 volumes of this great classic, which was to be published in numerous editions throughout the 18th century. This is the original edition, the first volume has no tomation on the spine, the next two, published in 1735, and the last, published in 1739, have a tomation piece. Splendid bindings in full red morocco with the royal coat of arms, triple framed with gilded fillets, gilded lace on the flyleaves and gilded edges. Very good condition, with some light rubbing and a tiny snag at the tail of volume 4, and a small leather loss at the top of the second spine of volume 3. The volumes include 18, 35, 33 and 30 plates respectively, many of them folding, dealing with natural history, geography of the globe, botany, etc. A very fine copy in particularly prestigious bindings. In-12, 16pp (6) 528pp, 24pp + 486pp, 574pp (1), 599pp (1)