Encyclopaedia londinensis, or,
Universal dictionary of arts, sciences, and literature
1810-29
Originally from Winchester, John Wilkes was an established London printer, bookseller and publisher, and the proprietor of the Hampshire Chronicle, one of England’s oldest continuing publications. In 1810 Wilkes published the first eight volumes of his Encyclopaedia londinensis with a volume published almost every year thereafter until the twenty fourth and last in 1829. Compiled and arranged by Wilkes much of the information came from other small works not always his own as was often the case with such compendiums, and indeed he was successfully sued for piracy for the not unsubstantial sum of £100 by Charles Roworth author of Art of Defence with the Broad Sword.
Many of the engravings for the Encyclopaedia londinensis were executed by the extremely gifted John Pass, also originally from Winchester. Pass used his own work as well as existing images by some of the most accomplished artists of his time, making amendments where necessary to correlate to the Encyclopaedia. Sadly Pass’s lasting fame came not from his life but rather his brutal death in 1832 at the hands of the young printer James Cook, the last man in England to be exhibited in a gibbet.
The Encyclopaedia londinensisis provides an eloquent visual presentation of the history and most recent developments in the Arts and Sciences, and serves as an extraordinary record of the talents of Pass and his contemporaries. These particular examples of the Encyclopaedia londinensisis are in fine original hand colour, expertly and lavishly applied with no expense spared.
Below are a few examples from this collection. Please click on an image to see it in high-resolution with details of the work itself. For the full list of original antique Wilkes engravings available, please do contact us.
![Wilkes: Chaetodon. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8599] Chaetodon: Butterflyfish. The sickle banded and the Bristled Chaetodon. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NATHISp8599w.jpg?w=224&h=283&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Cuttlefish. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7834] Cuttlefish: With eight specimens of Jelly fish. Crustaceans: Cristatus Crab, Paurus Crab and Common Lobster. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7834w.jpg?w=223&h=283&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Hares & Rabbits. 1821. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 7" x 9". [NATHISp8452] Hares and Rabbits: Common, Calling and Alpine Hares with Common and Hooded Rabbits.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NATHISp8452w.jpg?w=226&h=283&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Crested Chatter. 1829. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 10". [NATHISp8624] Ampelis: The Crested Chatter of America. After George Edwards](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NATHISp8624w.jpg?w=231&h=283&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Penguin. 1816. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7815] Penguin (Aptenodytes): Patagonian Penguin and Magellanic Penguin. After George Edwards. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7815w.jpg?w=311&h=373&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Diodon. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8598] Diodon: Porcupine Fish. The Oblong and the Orbicular Porcupine Fish.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NATHISp8598w.jpg?w=309&h=373&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Creeping Mallow and Musk Malow. 1815. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3335] Wilkes: Creeping Mallow and Musk Malow. 1815. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3335]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/florap3335w.jpg?w=288&h=373&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Persian Iris with quillwort and Isaria monilioides funghi. 1812. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3331] Wilkes: Persian Iris with quillwort and Isaria monilioides funghi. 1812. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3331]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/florap3331w.jpg?w=214&h=286&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Locusts. 1811. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7853] Locusts (Gryllus): G.bisasciatus, G bimaculatus, G granulatus, G leucostictos, G. griseus, G binotatus and Acheta. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7853w.jpg?w=228&h=286&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Flycatcher. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7819] Warbler (Motacilla): African Warbler with nest.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7819w.jpg?w=222&h=286&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Shells. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7826] Murices: Cones. A Rock Shell with Aporrhais and Rhombus. After Albertus Seba, engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7826w.jpg?w=240&h=286&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Butterfly Orchid and Meadow Orchid. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3334] Wilkes: Butterfly Orchid and Meadow Orchid. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3334]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/florap3334w.jpg?w=445&h=561&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Helminthology. 1811. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8093] Helminthology: Testaceous. Cardium echinata (1-3) and Buccium udatum (11) with other univalves and bivalves.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NATHISp8093w.jpg?w=467&h=561&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Stag. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FIELDp1574] Common stag and German stag.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fieldp1574w.jpg?w=448&h=582&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Sheep. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 7" x 9". [NATHISp8451] Sheep: South Devon, Norfolk, Merino, Iceland, Four-horn and Cretan.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NATHISp8451w.jpg?w=464&h=582&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Camel. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 10" x 8". [NATHISp8557] Camel: Dromedary or Arabian Camel. Engraved by John Chapman.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NATHISp8557w.jpg?w=576&h=440&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Exocoetus. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8602] Exocoetus: Flying fish, Sea Swallow and Middle-pinned flying fish (Mesogaster).](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NATHISp8602w.jpg?w=336&h=440&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Shells. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7825] Bullae (Pewit's Egg or Dipper). 12 Dippers, Argus Cowry with 9 Cowries and a Weaver Shuttle. After Albertus Seba, engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7825w.jpg?w=226&h=288&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Jerboa. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8095] Egyptian Jerboa: With a Spectacle (stalked eye) Fly and Pyramids in the background.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NATHISp8095w.jpg?w=224&h=288&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Shells. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHIp7828] Buccina: Triton, Wry mouthed, Umbilicated, Plicated, Gullered, Whelks, Thorny Woodcock, Strombus and Pupura.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7828w.jpg?w=232&h=288&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Ray. 1818. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 11" x 8". [NATHISp7840] Ray: Devil Ray, Guitarfish, Thornback and Electric Ray. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7840w.jpg?w=222&h=288&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Aecidium and Agaricus. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7858] Aecidium and Agaricus: Aecidium abietinum, elatinum, columnare, viola, and Agaricus scabellus, vitellum, tricolour, porphyria and lepidomyces. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7858.jpg?w=302&h=379&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Lizards. 1814. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7847] Lizards (Lacerta): Monitor Lizard (Goanna) Broad tailed Lizard, Great and Common Water Newts with details of larvae. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7847w.jpg?w=306&h=379&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Helminthology. 1811. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8094]] Helminthology: Zoophytes. Spongia ossiformis (7) and Tubularia magnifica (8) with other corals.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NATHISp8094w.jpg?w=300&h=379&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Cantharis and Carissa. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7890] Carissa Carandas (Christ's Thorn): With 10 Species of Cantharis (Soldier Beetle).](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7890.jpg?w=229&h=282&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Flycatcher. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7821] Warbler (Motacilla): Pinc Pinc grass warbler with nest.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7821w.jpg?w=223&h=282&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Shells. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7824] Volutes: Cones. The Cedo Null with Imperial Crowns with Admiral shells. After Albertus Seba, engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7824w.jpg?w=230&h=282&ssl=1)
![Wiles: Secretary bird. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 7" x 9". [NATHISp8453] Secretary bird (Falco serpentarius): The Serpent Eater native to central, eastern and southern Africa.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NATHISp8453w.jpg?w=222&h=282&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Pangolin. 1816. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7808] Pangolin (Manis): Short tailed and longtailed Pangolin (scaly anteater) with skeleton of a mammoth Pangolin. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7808w.jpg?w=454&h=580&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Chaetodon. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8600] Chaetodon: Butterfly fish.Teira, Araunus and Vespertilio butterfly fish.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NATHISp8600w.jpg?w=458&h=580&ssl=1)

![Wilkes: Boletus. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7860] Boletus igniarius and Frondosius, Blasia pusilla, Buxbaumia aphylla and Byssus fulva.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7860.jpg?w=223&h=282&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Breadfruit. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7802] Wilkes: Breadfruit. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7802]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7802w.jpg?w=233&h=282&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Citron Medica. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 10". [NATHISp7799] Wilkes: Citron Medica. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 10". [NATHISp7799]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7799w.jpg?w=227&h=282&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Broad leaved Kalmia (Mountain Laurel). 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3333] Wilkes: Broad leaved Kalmia (Mountain Laurel). 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [FLORAp3333]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/florap3333w.jpg?w=318&h=412&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Sea Turtles. 1818. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 11" x 8". [NATHISp7839] Sea Turtles: Hawksbill 5 and Green Sea Turtle 6. with Yellow footed Tortoise 1, European Tortoise 2, Spotted Turtle 3, Painted Turtle 4. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7839w.jpg?w=259&h=199&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Chaetodon. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8601] Chaetodon: Butterfly fish. The Chaetodon of Surat. After Marcus Bloch. Engraved by James Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NATHISp8601w.jpg?w=259&h=209&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Locusts. 1811. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7852] Locusts (Gryllus): G. foliaceus, Acrydium, G bipunctatus, G fabulatus, G. opacus. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7852w.jpg?w=331&h=412&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Cashew Nut Tree. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7795] Wilkes: Cashew Nut Tree. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7795]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7795w.jpg?w=229&h=285&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Nectarine and Almond. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7889] Nectarine and Almond: Orange Nectarine, Sweet Almond and Creeping Almond.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7891.jpg?w=226&h=285&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Oryx Antelope. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8151] Wilkes: Oryx Antelope. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8151]](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NATHISp8150w.jpg?w=223&h=285&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Flycatcher. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7820] Warbler (Motacilla): Pinc Pinc grass warbler with nest.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7820w.jpg?w=226&h=285&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Scorpions. 1817. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7849] Scorpion (Scorpio): European, Black and Linear Scorpions. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7849w.jpg?w=297&h=377&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Shells. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7823] Globusae: Persian Crown, Harp, Helmut, Partridge, Butterfly, Fig, Tun, Melon and Prepuce mollusc shells. After Albertus Seba, engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7823w.jpg?w=301&h=377&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Coluber (Viper). 1811. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11".[NATHISp8285] Coluber (Viper): Summer loving, Pethola and Painted vipers. After Albertus Seba, engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/NATHISp8285w.jpg?w=310&h=377&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Crocodile. 1814. An original hand coloured copper engraving. 11" x 8". [NATHISp7846] Crocodile (Lacerta): Nile Crocodile with detail of head and jaw of a young crocodile. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nathisp7846w.jpg?w=574&h=432&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Coral. 1806. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8353] Coral: Gorgonia Antipathes (Black Coral) and Gorgonia Muricata (Staghorn Coral).](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NATHISp8353w.jpg?w=338&h=432&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Morels. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 11" x 8". [NATHISp7861] Morels: Esculent Morel, Stinking Morel with Sea Canary Grass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nathisp7861.jpg?w=325&h=243&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Crab. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8092] Crab: Soldier Crab, Hermit Crab and Land Crab.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NATHISp8092w.jpg?w=195&h=243&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Pineapple. 1810. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp7801] Pineapple: Sugarloaf pineapple with Brentus and bruchus insects. Engraved by John Pass.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nathisp7801w.jpg?w=190&h=243&ssl=1)
![Wilkes: Coral. 1806. An original hand coloured antique copper engraving. 8" x 11". [NATHISp8352] Coral: Gorgonia Ceratophyta (Sea Wip Coral) and Gorgonia Nobilis (Precious Coral): With magnified parts of branches.](https://i0.wp.com/prints.themaphouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NATHISp8352w.jpg?w=194&h=243&ssl=1)