First edition of the earliest Dutch monograph on fungi, by Franciscus van Sterbeeck (1630-1693), a Flemish clergyman, botanist and mycologist. Clusius had done research on fungi at the end of the 16th century, and published the results as part of his Rariorum plantarum historia in 1601. However, Clusius's original manuscript for this part, together with his 87 original drawings, had been lost. Accordingly, the publisher had to use other (and rather inaccurate) illustrations for the 1601 edition. Afterwards, the lost manuscript reappeared, and Sterbeeck used it as a basis for his own work, adding much new material. All species of toadstools and mushrooms are treated in detail, with descriptions of their natural history, as well as their gastronomic and medical properties. The work includes observations on wild growing fruits, nuts, roots, herbs etc. Of special interest are the remarkably fine plates, realistically illustrating a large number of fungi and wild fruits.
Lacking the frontispiece and the 10 leaves of the Index at the end. Binding slightly soiled and damaged. The author presented this copy in 1682 to the Capuchin Friars of the monastery at Tervuren near Brussels. A rare and beautiful book. Myko Libri 2050; Nissen, BBI 1892; Pritzel 8947; Stafleu & Cowan 13.012; cf. Willebrands & Van 't Hoog (eds.), Traktaat van de kampernoeljes, genaamd duivelsbrood (Hilversum 2006).