Very rare work on Trichoptera, commonly known as caddisflies. The present publication is considered the greatest work of the British entomologist Robert McLachlan (1837-1904), the first editor of the Entomologist's monthly magazine and the leading English neuropterist. In the introduction he modestly emphasizes that it is not an actual monograph (hence the title), because "it would hardly be correct to call such a work 'a monograph', with the knowledge that nearly each week makes me acquainted with new forms received from correspondents, and with the certainty that at present we are probably acquainted with scarcely one-half of the species inhabiting the geographical limits of Europe". The work, originally published in 9 instalments, describes 474 species and the 59 plates contain ca. 2000 figures. An additional supplement, published in 1884, is not included.
Some spots on the title-page and last leaves, but otherwise in very good condition. Spine worn and hinges cracked. BMC NH, p. 1212; Essig, A history of entomology, pp. 707-708; Nissen, ZBI 2641; WorldCat (5 copies); for McLachlan: T. James, "McLachlan, Robert" in: ODNB (online ed).