Jonathan Couch (1789-1870) was a country doctor from the
small Cornish fishing village of Polperro on the southern coast of
England. His book, A History of the Fishes of the British Islands (4
volumes), published between 1863 and 1865 was the standard in
British Ichthyology for years. Complete volumes are quite rare and
coveted by collectors and scientists and fetch a handsome price.
The illustrations in these books, drawn by Alex F. Lydon, were
based on the original drawings by the author. They were engraved
and color printed from woodblocks by Benjamin Fawcett and most
were finished by hand. Couch states in the first volume that the fish
were "...newly drawn from their native element, with their native
colours fresh upon them, while those species which from their
rarity could not be procured under such circumstances are
produced in such a manner as not be disguised by imaginary
adorning.". As well as being anatomically correct these fish are
marvelous to look at and represent an important era in the field of
ichthyology and natural illustration. You see before you a fine
work of art as well as a fragment of nineteenth century scientific
history. These prints measure approximately 6" by 9.5".
Yellow Skulpin
$75.00
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Torsk
$75.00
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Ide
$75.00
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Trumpet-Fish
$75.00
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Long Rough Dab
$75.00
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Paganellus
$75.00
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Variegated Sole
$75.00
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Dusky Skulpin
$75.00
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Lesser Forkbeard
$75.00
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Bubalis
$75.00
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Graining
$75.00
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Pelamid
$75.00
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Poutassou
$75.00
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Erythrinus
$75.00
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Mendole
$75.00
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Bogue
$75.00
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Vendace
$75.00
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Dobule
$75.00
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Miller's Thumb
$75.00
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Three-Bearded Rockling
$75.00
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Azurine
$75.00
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