Robert Thornton's Temple of Flora, a vast and appealing work, was first published in 1807. Grigson's introduction describes Thornton's life and the formation of his desire to produce an immense botanical work in many volumes. He goes on to show how Thornton's dream led to his financial ruin, from which a "Botanical lottery" held in 1812/13 failed to rescue him.

Grigson then considers the work and various individuals involved in the creation of the Temple of Flora. This work includes a catalogue of individual prints with detailed notes for each plate, faithfully reproduced from original engravings, with 12 in colour and 24 in black and white. Bibliographical notes are provided by Handasyde Buchanan, and botanical notes by William T. Stern.

This copy, number 98 of 250, is signed by Grigson, Buchanan and Stern.

Elephant folio, viii+20pp+12 color plates +24 monochrome collotype plates all with tissue guards.

Printed on hand-made Von Gelder paper. Bound in half leather boards, with gilt lettering and gilt top edge, in original slipcase.

Worn slipcase with small tears. Light foxing throughout. Leather corner rubbed and chipped.