Books

First octavo edition, bound from the parts. At the point of publication, this beautiful work was easily the most naturalistic depiction of American mammals ever created. It was initially issued in three folio volumes in 1845 to 1849; the octavo edition, which immediately followed the folio, appealed to a larger audience and sold far more copies. The naturalist and painter John James Audubon (1785-1851) made his reputation with The Birds of America (published between 1827 and 1839), widely regarded as the finest American illustrated book ever produced. In the early 1840s, while the octavo edition of The Birds was still at the press, Audubon began this equally imposing project, seeking to paint every North American quadruped species. Despite his poor health, Audubon traveled across North America, including British and Russian territories and parts of Mexico, collecting specimens to use as models for his paintings. The accompanying text was produced by John Bachman (1790-1874), a pastor who had studied quadrupeds since he was a young man and who was recognized as an authority on the subject. Audubon managed to complete 77 drawings before 1846. His failing eyesight and health prevented him from continuing, so his two sons, Victor Gifford and John Woodhouse, completed the project. Together, the three Audubons and Bachman produced an unequalled record of American mammals. The octavo edition was initially issued in 31 parts and subsequently in bound volumes between 1849 and 1854. Audubon died in 1851 before he could see the octavo edition completed. READ MORE Three vols, quarto (270 x 193 mm). Near-contemporary red levant half morocco by Douglas and Foulis, spines lettered in gilt, blind-stamped ornaments to spines and covers, marbled covers and endpapers, top edges gilt. With 155 lithographic plates after J. J. and J. W. Audubon, engraved by W. E. Hitchcock, chromolithographed and finished with hand coloring and gum arabic highlights by J. T. Bowen, with tissue guards. Smartly bound, a little wear and chipping to spine ends and corners, contents occasionally foxed, plates bright and clean: a very good set indeed. McGill/Wood 208; Reese 38; Sabin 2368.

'Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America' is another notable work by John James Audubon, initially intended to complement 'The Birds of America'. It provides detailed illustrations and descriptions of North American mammals.