Flipping through this complete three volume set of the 1851 first American editions of L.M. Budgen's "Episodes of Insect Life" is like stepping through Alice's looking glass. These books are profusely illustrated with both skillfully drawn scientific representations of their subject, as well as whimsical, anthropomorphic caricatures of the world's insects that are charming and delightful. Further, the text is laced with poetry to match the character of the books, along with an informative, and yet still poetic, wealth of information about the history and cultural significance of a variety of insects. These are without a doubt the most significant books I've had pass through my hands, and they would be the prize of any antiquarian book collection, especially of one belonging to a person with a penchant for spiders and insects. Make this three book set yours - or a loved one's, if you want a gift that will blow them away.
