Books

New York: Published by V. G. Audubon, 1856. Complete in seven volumes. 2nd octavo edition published by Victor Gifford Audubon, J.J. Audubon’s first son. Originally with 500 (100 more than the initial folio edition) handcolored stone lithograph plates. All volumes have gift bookplates from the collection of Mrs. J.F. Minis of Savannah. With elegant signature of original owner in each volume, "A. Porter Savannah 7 May 1857", with embossed library stamp on title pages, leather binding with decorative embossed covers, all edges gilt, and five bands on spines. An ex-library set with markings on all volumes including spines. Set in Very Good to Fair condition. Vol 1 Fair, spine and front board detached from text block, rear board detached, FFEP to half title detached from text block and laid in. Description of Audubon Birds by “Goodspeed's” pasted in volume one. * Plate # 64 (Wood Peewee Flycatcher) is missing; an additional plate #133 is inserted in its place. Vol 2 library markings otherwise Very Good. Vol 3 Good, internal hinges repaired by cloth tape, outer rear hinge starting. Vol 4 Good, split to outer front hinge halfway down the spine. Vol 5 Very Good. Vol 6 Good Minus, front and rear hinges internally repaired by cloth tape but mostly separated on the outside. Vol 7 Good Minus, both hinges split. Foxing to all pages but tissue guards have significantly protected the plates from foxing. Overall, beautiful plates with stunning color and iridescence; excellent candidate for binding repair.

"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.