48 hand-coloured lithographic plates. "The plates include images of shells from the collections of a number of well-known contemporary shell collectors, including Elizabeth Bligh (1752-1812), Henry Constanyine Jennings (1731-1819), Charles Dubois, Mrs Angus, John Mawe and W.J. Broderip, as well as shells from the collection of author. BM (NH) V, p.2054 (incomplete copy only); Shell Collecting / S. Peter Dance."--Taken from Christie's auction house website. AWMM copy 27527: Half red leather covers with marbled boards and gold tooled borders. Five raised bands on spine, with panels decorated with gold tooled floral and shell designs. Spine title 'Swainson's Exotic conchology' in gold on brown leather panel. Gilt text block edges. Green, red, white and yellow marbled endpapers.