11 volumes. 520 (of 528) color lithograph plates, including one double-page counting as 2 plates (9/10), some finished by hand. (4to) 30x23.5 cm (11¾x9¼") later uniform red and blue calf bindings, spines lettered in gilt. First Edition.

In the obituary for Benjamin S. Williams included in Volume 9 the purpose of the work is described: "In 1881 he commenced his magnum opus, the Orchid Album, which was projected with the idea of supplying a demand for illustrations of Orchidaceous plants, with botanical descriptions of the plants figured, and notes on their cultivation ... Its appearance was hailed with great satisfaction in horticultural circles throughout the world, and it numbers among its subscribers nearly all lovers of Orchids and many of our leading and most influential horticulturalists." The beautiful plates are by John Nugent Fitch. Great Flower Books, p.80; Nissen BBI 2107. Sold for the benefit of the Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens.