Books

The Third Octavo Edition of Audubon's Masterpiece- The Birds of America, from Drawings made in the United States and their Territories. 7 vol., 500 hand-coloured lithograph plates after Audubon by W.E. Hitchock, R. Trembly and others re-issued by J. W. Audubon, tissue guards, wood-engraved anatomical diagrams, occasional light off-setting, plates clean and bright, publisher's original morocco, ornately blind-stamped. This third octavo edition differed most notably from the first octavo in the addition of tinted lithographic-wash backgrounds to the plates. 8vo, New York, Roe Lockwood & Son, 1861.

"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.