[W.R.J. and A. Burcham] “British Entomology : Being Illustrations and Descriptions of the Genera of Insects found in Great Britain and Ireland…” Manuscript entomology notes and illustrations , Holt, Norfolk, England circa 1830. Pp. 226 including 64 watercolours of insects , with caterpillars and butterflies, and a further 12 pages of ink drawings of insect anatomy [ signed “A Burcham 1829”]. The illustrations blank to the reverse and the rest closely written text in pen and ink. Bound in a contemporary binding of half leather and marbled boards, repaired to spine and strengthened at the front gutter margin. Half title in ink reads” British Entomology. Vol. 1”. The title page states that the text and watercolours are by one "W. R. J." of Holt [presumably Norfolk U.K. ] and are copies of the original work of John Curtis, fellow of the Linnean Society. The beautifully executed watercolours depict a variety of insects faithfully copied from sections of Curtis’ work “British Entomology being illustrations and descriptions of the genera of insects. Found in Great Britain and Ireland. Containing coloured figures from nature of the most rare and beautiful species and in many instances of the plants upon which they are found” [1824-1840] and were certainly created by a competent entomologist and artist , probably contemporaneously with Curtis’ work. The text follows Curtis, with occasional minor alterations of date. It seems likely to us that the work is that of an enthusiast, who created his own copy , perhaps choosing insects that he had found locally and as a cheaper alternative to purchasing the printed work. The work does not seem to have been written and drawn into a blank notebook, rather, each page of text and illustration were produced as a bifold, and then bound up later. There are a number of pasted- up pages, where illustrations have been added or where cut down pages have been lengthened. This is confirmed by an additional group of forty-three ink and watercolour drawings of insects [mostly one per page] with forty-five accompanying leaves of manuscript text. Each leaf approx. 20cm x 12.5cm [with a few sheets smaller] with the drawings measuring between approx. 8cm and 1.5cm in diameter. Some of the additional leaves bear watermarks dated between 1827-1830, and with embossed stamps to the corners “London Superfine Satin”. We think that the additional leaves were intended to form Volume 2 of the work, and that they would if completed, have been bound up similarly. Overall the condition is Very Good plus, with expected toning in places. The watercolours throughout are bright and exquisitely realised, and a wonderful survival.