Books

New York Macmillan & Company 1937 1st thus. Large Hardback, approx 12.5 x 9 inches. In in full black polished morocco leather fine binding by “Bayntun Riviere, Bath, England”. With stunning large decorative gilt picture of a beautiful bird (Possibly The Lyre Bird) which wraps round from front to back boards, raised banding to spine with gilt lettering. All page edges gilt, wide inner gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers. In very good near fine condition. One very faint light scuff lower spine else beautiful clean smart cover. No penned inscriptions. Binders stamp in gilt to inner edge of front board. Inside pages and plates all very clean, bright and tight throughout. A stunning finely bound copy of the best modern edition of Audubon’s Birds of America. xxvi pp Introduction & Index. + 500 full-page colour plates (with descriptive text.)

"The Birds of America" is a monumental work by John James Audubon, published as a series between 1827 and 1838. It is one of the most famous and celebrated ornithological works in the world, known for its life-size, hand-colored, engraved plates of birds from the United States. Audubon's work stands out for its combination of artistic beauty and scientific accuracy. The collection features 435 plates, depicting more than 700 bird species, many of which were being documented for the first time. Audubon employed a unique method of mounting dead birds in natural positions on wires as a reference, which helped him create more dynamic illustrations. His attention to detail and commitment to depicting birds in their natural habitats made "The Birds of America" not only a major scientific achievement but also an artistic masterpiece. Audubon's work had a significant impact on ornithology and art in the 19th century, contributing to the burgeoning interest in bird study and conservation in America and Europe. The original editions of "The Birds of America" are among the most sought-after and valuable books in the world, prized by collectors and institutions for their historical and aesthetic value.