Die Gartenkunst […] fremde Bäume, Stauden und Gewächse für englische Gärten zu ziehen und zu warten.

Voß und Compagnie, Leipzig, 1797–1804

Second revised and considerably enlarged edition of the first edition of 1775.

Description: 4 vols., contemp. half maroon calf over marbled paper boards, flat spine lettered and decorated in gilt. Octavo: 20 × 12 cm; pp.: (vol. 1) [26], 262; (vol. 2) [22], 378; (vol. 3) [16], 280; (vol. 4) viii, 9–128, 44. With 28 engraved plates (2 of which are fold-outs). Green-dyed edges.

Ref.: Dochnahl 19

Condition: Boards show some wear to corners, edges and spine ends, minor loss to spine end of vol. 1. Endpapers slightly toned. Contents with some minor toning and occasional light foxing, mostly peripheral. Edges slightly dusty and with occasional stains. Despite the flaws described, a very fine copy.

Notes: J.F. Blotz’s (pseudonym for Ferdinand Christian Touchy, 1736–1808) Die Gartenkunst, edited by Johann Ludwig Christ and published 1797–1804, is the second revised, expanded and improved edition based on the original 1775 publication. It reflects the advances in horticultural knowledge and practice of the time. The text provides comprehensive guidance on the design, establishment and maintenance of various types of gardens, including ornamental (Lustgärten), kitchen (Küchengärten), arboretum (Baumgärten) and flower gardens (Blumengärten). A notable feature of the text is its emphasis on the cultivation of exotic trees, shrubs and plants suited to English gardens, reflecting the growing popularity of the naturalistic English landscape style in Europe during the late 18th century. Aimed at both professional gardeners and amateur gardeners, the work bridges technical expertise and general interest, making it a versatile resource for late 18th-century horticulture.