Books

Edinburgh and London: Adam and Charles Black; Longman, Rees, Brown, Green, and Longman, 1839. First edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Octavo in attractive modern dark brown rice-paper covered boards, custom slipcase. (1), half-title+ xii+359 pp. A generally clean copy, bit of foxing to the prelims and title, occasionally in the text. The companion volume to Audubon's massive four-volume "Birds of North America" (1827-1838), it serves as an index to that collection. There are 491 individual entries, each containing the formal Latin name as well as the English translation of the name of each bird that appeared in the set, the number of the corresponding plate, a paragraph of description detail, and information as to where each species is commonly found in North America. In 1826, Audubon went to Europe to find a publisher with not only bthe interest but the capability to issue his folio hand-colored collection. He was particularly well received in Edinburgh and, after the king…

"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.

By checking plate numbers, watermark presence, and paper quality.