A Complete Herbal Value Guide

James Newton's A Complete Herbal is a landmark 18th-century English botanical work, highly prized for its 176 detailed copperplate engravings drawn from life. Published posthumously starting in 1752, it remains a significant collectible for its blend of scientific medicinal classification and early modern artistic precision.

What Is A Complete Herbal Worth?

The typical price range for A Complete Herbal is $485 - $530 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the leather binding and the presence of the original spine labels.
• The clarity and completeness of the copperplate engravings, with higher value for sets lacking foxing or water damage.
• The specific edition year between 1752 and 1798, with earlier printings generally commanding the $530 range.
• Provenance and the inclusion of all original botanical plates as intended by Newton.

How to Identify A Complete Herbal?

• Verify the presence of over 176 distinct copperplate engravings depicting English plant specimens.
• Check for the 1752 posthumous first edition date or subsequent 18th-century printing marks from England.
• Look for the characteristic heavy paper stock and traditional leather binding typical of mid-to-late 18th-century publishing.
• Confirm the author attribution to James Newton, specifically noting the focus on medicinal properties.

History of A Complete Herbal

Authored by James Newton, this work was first published posthumously in 1752. It was intended as a guide to the medicinal properties and classifications of English plants, featuring over 176 copperplate engravings. Newton spent many years drawing these specimens from life, making it a significant contribution to early modern botany and herbal medicine.