Selections from Harris's Cabinet is a beautifully curated collection of botanical paintings by William Roscoe. The book features stunning illustrations of various plants and flowers, each intricately detailed and accompanied by informative descriptions. Roscoe's talent as an artist is truly unmatched, as he expertly captures the intricate beauty of each plant with meticulous precision.

The book is not only visually appealing, but also educational. Each painting is accompanied by detailed information about the plant's origins, characteristics, and uses. This adds depth to the book, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in botany or horticulture.

Overall, Selections from Harris's Cabinet is a delightful read for both art enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers a unique glimpse into the world of botanical illustration and is sure to inspire awe and appreciation for the beauty of plants. Highly recommended for anyone looking to add a touch of natural beauty to their bookshelf.

Book Description:
In the early 1800s, London publisher John Harris began producing small books for children that were designed not to instruct, but to entertain. One of these books, The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast by William Roscoe, reprinted from The Gentleman's Magazine, was so successful that it was reissued in a second and much revised edition with illustrations by a young William Mulready. This was followed by sequels in a similar vein and a series called 'Harris's Cabinet of Amusement and Instruction'. By 1809, Harris's catalogue comprised more than 400 titles, some of which became classics of 19th century children's literature. Harris is now recognized as having played an important role in liberating publishing for children from the didactic and morally improving volumes of the late 18th century. The works that he published were important precursors to those later nonsense poets such as Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear. This collection includes the revised edition of the Butterfly's Ball and sequels by Catherine Ann Dorset, 'W. B.', and Roscoe himself. Appended are the version of the Butterfly's Ball that appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine and an informative introductory essay to an 1883 reprint by Charles Welsh.