Sowerby, JAMES

Sowerby, JAMES (1757-1822), was a native of Lambeth, who commenced as a portraitist and miniaturist, but now is remembered by his English Botany, or Coloured Figures of all the Plants Natives of Great Britain (36 vols. 1792-1807; new ed. 11 vols. 1863-72), the descriptions being written by Sir J. E. Smith, M.D. Other works dealt with Fungi, Conchology, and Mineralogy. Three sons who followed in their father's footsteps were James de Carle Sowerby (1787-1871), George Brettingham Sowerby (1788-1854), and Charles Edward Sowerby (1795-1842); and a son of the second was also George Brettingham Sowerby (1812-84), the author of many illustrated works on natural history.